Dave Kitson reveals he is The Secret Footballer after 15 years of mystery

For 15 years, fans tried to guess who wrote the famous books. Dave Kitson has now confirmed he is the author after writing 5 books about football secrets.
By Newsroom | Football, United Kingdom |

The long-held mystery of the identity of "The Secret Footballer," a figure who shared insider views on the professional game, has been brought to a close. After 15 years of public speculation, five books, a regular newspaper column, and extensive online discussion, the individual behind the pseudonym has revealed himself. A key moment influencing his decision to step forward, he stated, was the death of footballer Gary Speed, an event that "stopped being fun" for him in the context of his writing.

Background of the Enigma

For nearly a decade and a half, "The Secret Footballer" provided a unique window into the world of professional football. Through various platforms, this anonymous source offered insights into the pressures, realities, and often hidden aspects of the sport. The identity of this individual became a persistent topic of discussion and a subject of many attempts at revelation by fans and media alike.

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The ‘Secret Footballer’ finally revealed: ‘It stopped being fun when Gary Speed died' - 1

Shifting Perspectives

The decision to finally unmask himself appears linked to a significant emotional juncture. The passing of Gary Speed in 2011 profoundly affected the narrator.

"It stopped being fun when Gary Speed died."

This sentiment suggests a personal turning point, where the enjoyment or perhaps the perceived value of his anonymous contributions shifted following this tragic event. He also expressed sympathy for Speed's family.

The ‘Secret Footballer’ finally revealed: ‘It stopped being fun when Gary Speed died' - 2

The death of Gary Speed appears to have been a pivotal event, impacting the narrator's motivation and perspective on his public role.

The Narrator's Original Ambitions

Interestingly, the pursuit of a career in football was not the narrator's initial aspiration. He indicated an earlier interest in becoming a travel writer. His engagement with football, from this viewpoint, may have been an avenue he pursued that later facilitated other forms of expression.

The ‘Secret Footballer’ finally revealed: ‘It stopped being fun when Gary Speed died' - 3

"Before football, I wanted to be a travel writer."

This prior ambition provides a backdrop to his later involvement as "The Secret Footballer," suggesting his writing career may have taken a different path than initially planned. He also mentioned that "Whatever you give is never enough," possibly reflecting on the demands and expectations associated with his public platform.

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## Dave Kitson Identified as The Secret Footballer

Recent reports name Dave Kitson, a former professional footballer, as the individual who has revealed his identity. Kitson had a career playing for clubs such as Reading and Stoke City. The timing of his revelation coincides with a long period of anonymity and public guessing games.

The ‘Secret Footballer’ finally revealed: ‘It stopped being fun when Gary Speed died' - 4

## Gary Speed's Impact

The inclusion of Gary Speed's death as a watershed moment is notable. Speed, a former player and manager, died by suicide in November 2011. This event sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond, prompting wider discussions about mental health. For Kitson, the tragedy appears to have altered his engagement with his public persona as "The Secret Footballer."

Conclusion

The unmasking of "The Secret Footballer" marks the end of a prolonged period of intrigue. Dave Kitson has stepped forward, citing the profound impact of Gary Speed's death as a catalyst for revealing his identity. His journey, from an initial aspiration to be a travel writer to becoming a voice within professional football under a pseudonym, highlights a complex relationship with the sport and public disclosure. The narrative suggests a personal evolution influenced by significant life events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the person behind The Secret Footballer books and columns?
Dave Kitson is the man who wrote as The Secret Footballer for 15 years. He is a former professional player who wrote 5 books and many newspaper articles about the hidden side of football.
Q: Why did Dave Kitson decide to reveal his identity as The Secret Footballer?
He decided to tell the truth because the mystery was no longer enjoyable for him. He felt that after 15 years, it was the right time to share his name with the public.
Q: How did the death of Gary Speed affect The Secret Footballer's writing?
Dave Kitson said that writing stopped being fun after Gary Speed died in 2011. This sad event made him think differently about his work and his role in the football world.
Q: What was Dave Kitson's dream job before he became a football player?
Before he started playing football, Dave Kitson wanted to be a travel writer. He eventually used his love for writing to share secrets about the football industry instead.
Q: Which football clubs did Dave Kitson play for before revealing his secret?
Dave Kitson played for several teams, including Reading and Stoke City. His experience at these clubs gave him the information he needed to write his famous books.