The Revelation of ‘The Secret Footballer’: Insights from Former Striker Dave Kitson

omidbasir- The ‘Secret Footballer’ series captivated fans throughout its run, drawing attention with its revealing newspaper column that exposed the often frustrating realities of professional football. Under this pseudonym, five books were published, some taking the form of memoirs. The mystery of the author’s identity led to extensive debate among fans, resulting in online groups dedicated to uncovering the truth. This speculation has now been put to rest, as Dave Kitson, a former Premier League striker, has disclosed that he is the voice behind the books and columns.

Kitson first gained prominence at Cambridge United before moving to Reading, where he played in the Premier League after the club set a record for the most points in a single Championship season with 106 during the 2005-06 campaign. His career included stints with Stoke City, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, and Oxford United, culminating in his retirement in 2015 following a brief tenure with Arlesey Town.

In a recent interview on the Liberty Rock Sport Podcast, Kitson stated, “I am The Secret Footballer. I’ve never said that out loud before. It was an idea that came to me when I wasn’t happy with where football was going and I needed an outlet to express it for my own mental health.”

Kitson reflected on his passion for writing, which began in his youth. He noted, “I wanted to be a travel writer. The writing was cathartic. It helped me process what was happening in football. It started as something that wasn’t about naming names, but rather about explaining the industry’s realities and motivations.”

He described the initial enjoyment of writing as it allowed readers to draw their own conclusions. However, this enjoyment soon turned into significant anxiety due to the potential repercussions on his career. “If I’d been identified, I would have faced dismissal and ostracism. Today, everyone has a podcast and an outlet; back then, it was truly groundbreaking. It transformed football in this country and instigated significant changes at the highest levels, which I take pride in. Nevertheless, the accompanying stress and anxiety were overwhelming.”

Kitson also addressed the tragic death of Gary Speed in 2011, which influenced his decision to conclude his identity as ‘The Secret Footballer’. Speed, a renowned midfielder for clubs including Leeds United and Newcastle United, was found dead at the age of 42. Kitson recalled, “The worst moment came when I wrote a column about mental health titled ‘Sometimes There’s Darkness Behind the Light.’ At that time, mental health was rarely discussed in football; those who did were often perceived as weak. I predicted a mental health crisis in the sport, and just days after my column was published, Gary Speed was found deceased. That was the moment the fun of being ‘The Secret Footballer’ evaporated.”

Since retiring, Kitson has explored punditry but primarily focuses on motivational speaking within the mental health sector. In 2020, he publicly apologized to Raheem Sterling for comments that suggested the Manchester City star had inadvertently made himself a target for racism two years prior. He stated, “Perhaps I used clumsy language and for that, I apologize. I have never condoned any form of racism. I admire Raheem for his activism and agree that more action is needed. I am willing to engage in discussions to clarify my intentions and support him and other players in this vital conversation.”