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Former Striker Reveals Identity of 'Secret Footballer'

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dave Kitson, a former striker for Reading and Stoke, revealed in a YouTube interview that he is "The Secret Footballer."
Writing under that pseudonym let him express frustrations with football and address mental health issues.
Kitson said Gary Speed died shortly after he wrote a column on mental health, which he felt highlighted a serious epidemic and anger at authorities for their inaction.

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Story summary

Dave Kitson, a former striker for Reading and Stoke, revealed in a YouTube interview that he is "The Secret Footballer."
Writing under that pseudonym let him express frustrations with football and address mental health issues.
Kitson said Gary Speed died shortly after he wrote a column on mental health, which he felt highlighted a serious epidemic and anger at authorities for their inaction.