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This was not the way I wanted my career to end

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FORMER Accrington Stanley Captain, Peter Cavanagh has admitted that he is 50/50 on a return to football when his ban is lifted in April 2010, as he has lost his love for the game.

The ex-Liverpool youngster, was one of five former Stanley players banned at the beginning of the season for illegaly betting on an Accrington Stanley game.

Also ruled out of playing football for a length of time were Robert Williams, Jay Harris, David Mannix and Andrew Mangan after being found guilty of betting on Bury to beat the Reds ahead of a League Two fixture at the Crown Ground in May 2008, which the Shakers won 2-0.

All five players did decide to appeal the decision – four against the guilty verdict and Harris just against the length of his ban – but yesterday found out that they had been unsuccessful and their suspensions will stand.

Cavanagh, who is now working as a taxi driver to raise money for his family, admitted that he has lost some of his love for football because of the decision and hasn’t yet decided if he wants to return to football.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “Maybe that love will come back. It`s pretty much a 12-month ban, because the season will be almost over in April, so we`ll see where we are before next season.

“I`m disappointed by the result of the appeal.

“Obviously I`m pleased that the fine came down but I was hoping to get back playing as soon as possible and at least continue my coaching.’

Cav had been working with Liverpool Football Club as a Youth coach, but because of his ban he is prevented from doing so, meaning that he has lost another source of income.

“I just feel it`s disproportionate. I don`t think the punishment fits the crime.

“The bet was made in my online account, and it was by my brother, but unfortunately it is very difficult to prove that. We tried to prove it but we weren`t successful.

“I knew he was using my account but my mistake was not to check what for. The thing I`m guilty of is not checking and possibly being naive.’

He also went on to say that he was thankful to management duo John Coleman and Jimmy Bell and the supporters for they’re support through an understandably difficult period.

He concluded: “I can`t fault the club for the way they handled it.

“This was not the way I wanted my Accrington Stanley career to end.”

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