John Burridge: Kevin Keegan saved my life

Apr 10 2011 by Andrew Glover, Sunday Sun

AN ECCENTRIC former North footballer has revealed how Kevin Keegan helped save his life when he was in the midst of depression.

Ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper John Burridge opens up in his new book how he became suicidal as his playing days came to an end.

And “Budgie” has told the Sunday Sun that if it wasn’t for his then boss Keegan, he would have killed himself.

Burridge had locked himself in his bedroom after failing to show up for training in 1997.

Keegan and John’s wife Janet had him sectioned under the Mental Health Act and a five-month stint in the Priory clinic followed.

He recalls how “men in green boiler suits” came to take him away after his wife and Keegan’s concerns.

“If they hadn’t have got me in there, I’d have been dead now, hung up in a garage somewhere,” John said.

Burridge, 59, was born in Workington, Cumbria, and played for 29 clubs and had a spell as manager of Blyth Spartans.

He hit rock bottom when he realised his playing days were coming to an end. “I’ve always lived and breathed football,” he said.

“When other people were out drinking, I’d be back at home watching Match of The Day and planning for the next game.

“And when I realised I couldn't play any more, it hit me.

“I started crying one day on the bench and Kevin said ‘what’s up?’ and I said ‘I just want to play’.

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