Ask Gary Mabbutt

My husband has not told me he is out of contract

Hello there, readers, and welcome to the boot room of personal bother. During my time as Gary Mabbutt, Tottenham and England defender, I was known for dealing with problems head on. That attitude led to an unfortunate encounter with John Fashanu’s elbow and me having to wear a face mask – but like I say, these things only make you stronger. And who really needs feeling down the side of your face anyway?

These days, as Gary Mabbutt, ambassador for diabetes and South Africa (no relation), I choose to help other people meet their difficulties with a towering header clear. Only last week whilst at work on preparation for the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, I said to Lucas Radebe: “Lift from the knees, Lucas, or you’ll put your back out.” That way he was able to dispose of all those boxes of unsold tickets – safely.

So, who’s first in for an emotional rubdown today?

Dear Uncle Gary,

For a while now my husband has been acting strangely – not bragging about the stepovers he has performed in training, letting his stock of isotonic drinks run low, coming home after matches with his boot bag looking suspiciously clean.

At first I thought he might be going off to shag some slag WAG or that he might be gay but then I discovered he’s been signing on at the PFA transfer directory. I followed him when he left for ‘work’ one morning and saw him park in a lay-by and start to play keepy-uppy all by himself, complete with commentary and celebrations.

I think he’s out of contract and is afraid to tell me. How can I let him know that it’s not the glitz, glamour and celebrity that I love, but the money?
Mrs Cole, Cobham

Mabbutt says: Occasionally I’m called on to give counselling to couples and it’s always something I’m very happy to do. As I told Mrs Parlour a few years back: “Ray’s worth a lot more to you than you think.” She couldn’t have been happier with how things turned out.

Finding that someone you love is hiding the truth from you can knock you horizontal – a bit like when I slip into a hypoglycaemic coma due to a lack of glucose in my bloodstream. Whenever I had a hypo at training the Spurs lads would just do shuttle runs around me, and my advice to you would be the same: don’t make a scene. Mr Cole stands a good chance of finding a new club now the economy is picking up (no thanks to you, New Labour) and even if he doesn’t there will be endorsements and image rights to tide you over.

Remember, though, he’ll need your support to stay confident and motivated in the search for his next multimillion pound contract, so stand by him and be prepared to give him that shot in the arm he needs – just like Kath does for me!

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