Jake Livermore speaks out about failed drugs test

Livermore feared career was over after failed drugs test

Personal tragedy put Jake Livermore's career in doubt, but this week he completed a remarkable turnaround by running out for his country.

England's Jake Livermore feared that he would never play again after failing a drugs test in the aftermath of his son's death in 2014.

Livermore was with Hull City when the tragedy struck and he took cocaine to help deal with the grief, which led to a suspension.

However, when the Football Association learned of the circumstances, no further action was taken.

Still the whole episode left Livermore a long way from contemplating a return to playing and the thought of adding to the solitary international cap he had won in 2012 never crossed his mind.

But on Wednesday the West Brom midfielder started in the friendly defeat against Germany to complete a remarkable turnaround.

"There was a stage in my life where I didn't think I was going to play at all, let alone get back playing for England," he said in quotes reported by The Mirror.

"But I've taken it day by day and playing club football is where I have got my structure from.

"Thankfully those performances have been reflected with an England call-up and I will be absolutely delighted if I can stay in.


"Regardless of anything, I will continue trying to perform well for my club and when I come away on these camps, in the small period of time I have, I can hopefully I can improve more."

The 27-year-old knows he has come a long way in a relatively short time and he hopes he can become an England regular under Gareth Southgate.

"It's definitely been a journey for me – but it is one that I am very much trying to grasp with both hands," he said.

"I am really enjoying it at the moment so hopefully it continues.

"I thought joining West Brom was the right move for me at the time, I was desperate to get a move, but I didn't honestly think this England call would happen as quick as it did, if at all.

"It all goes to show that it's more to do with who you play for rather than what you can do. I've been far from my best for West Brom so far.

"All I can do is go in at West Brom, work doubly hard day-in day-out and hopefully I can grab this opportunity with both hands.

"It is credit to the manager as it's a very brave stance to take. He has been fantastic in the role he has taken up and the boys have taken him very well.

"You hope that England places are up for grabs because it creates good competition and that is what we need. We push each other."

England host Lithuania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

 

"I was desperate to get a move". What a ****

 

That shows more than a little lack of respect, gratitude and humility.

 

And if he's good enough for England, we're in a worse state than I thought and I thought we were already an omnishambles.

 

Very poor from him if that is exactly how the interview was, but knowing how these tabloids edit and what was actually said, chances are that some things he said will have been left out.

 

Come on Kempton think about it. Our club must be the standing joke of the premier league with that pair of idiots in charge. As long as they stay we are doomed.

 

Well that sticks in the throat a bit...

 

Its the bit about who you play for that is interesting.

He is basically saying he was in better form for Hull and didn't get a look in, got a move, and then gets in the England squad despite not being in as good form.

The bit about desperate for a move is probably hashed about by the journos a bit, but think about it, it was Bruce that brought him back into the fold and Bruce was forced out by the owners. Phelan was heading for a one way ticket to relegation, if he had stayed he was in the place with all the emotional trauma and the legal issues, so I don't blame him for wanting a fresh start.

 

Those two sentences sum up Livermores lack of class and the England managers thoughts on picking players on club stature rather than players ability. **** Livermore and **** England

 

Let's face it - he's only in the squad cos Henderson is injured.

 

I don't know which article this was from, but the one in the mirror has a lot of the same wording, but nothing about him being desperate to leave

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-midfielder-jake-livermore-admits-10097784

 

I might have put a couple of words in his mouth

 

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You terrible ****

 

No - you wrote it & it's on the internet therefore = FACT - regardless of the truth - FACT

 

Agreed, there's not many of us around.

 

See post 12

 

Kinell Bob, now look what you've done.

 

Hmm
It appears a few words have been added to that transcript !!!

Well played Monsieur le Chapeau