Patrick Foster on the road to redemption in Horspath return

PATRICK Foster has taken another step on the road to redemption by rejoining Horspath.

The 34-year-old all-rounder was a key member of the side which enjoyed notable success from 2012 until leaving in 2017.

Patrick Foster in full flow. Pictures: Simon Hipwell

But at the same time his life began to spiral out of control due to a gambling addiction, which would see him rack up staggering debts of £250,000, including losing a massive £50,000 on a horse in one single bet.

His descent into the depths of despair has been well-documented as on more than one occasion he has given frank accounts of how he went off the rails. Only last week his story - which saw him lose his job as a teacher and at his lowest ebb even contemplate taking his own life - was featured on the home page of the BBC News website.

Pat says: "I am pretty open and honest about what has gone on and obviously I did the article in the hope that it will help my rehabilitation. The response has been unbelievable. People have been sending well wishes and people who have been through similar things have been writing to offer support. 

"I guess the article helps because everyone knows what the story is and I am not hiding from it. I believe it gives a bit of context to why I left when I did and what was going on. There was a lot more to it than me just leaving the club." 

Now, after going through rehabilitation at a Harley Street addiction treatment centre and with the help of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), he has turned the corner and is focused on getting his life back on track. As part of his recovery he's keen to play for Horspath again and after building bridges with the club he's looking forward to returning this summer. 

During his previous spell, the club won Home Counties Premier League Division 2 in 2016 and were promoted as runners-up in 2014 as well as being Cherwell League champions in 2013. Pat's best season came in 2014, taking 36 wickets at an impressive average of just 11.61, including 7-38 against Cove. He also chipped in with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 87 in a seven-wicket win over Finchampstead. 

He continues: "I look back to my time at the club with great fondness. It was an amazing time really. I loved every second. During that time the club went from a small village club that was competitive in the Cherwell right up to the Home Counties. We had success and I think I contributed with runs and wickets, but I never fulfilled my potential that I should have done because there was a lot more going on in my life that people didn't know about. It will be nice if I can contribute again in the ways I did." 

Since leaving Horspath, Pat has played for Beaconsfield and Didcot, while earlier in his career he had spells with Northants Academy, Spencer (Surrey), Harpenden and Teddington. But he says it was at the Recreation Ground where he really felt at home. 

"I have played for quite a few clubs, but Horspath was the club where I have mates and a great time," he says. "I always knew in my heart of hearts that I wanted to come back in some form. I didn't know if it was in a playing capacity or coaching capacity. I always wanted to go back to the club. Obviously there were things that needed to be sorted out. I kept in touch with a few of the guys - they are good mates of mine. They were always talking to me about it and I always knew that was what I wanted to do. 

Pat believes his batting has improved

"I also wanted to put things right for everyone. I kept in touch with Will (Eason) and he said the time is right if you want to come back. I ummed and and ahhed, but didn't want to come back unless it was right for everyone and so I reached out to a few people. There were people I had to have conversations with. The club have been very good and supportive of me." 

Pat, who played nine first-class games for Durham UCCE and made one appearance for Oxfordshire in the MCCA Knockout Trophy, then had to convince himself he had the desire to play in the Home Counties again. 

"There was the decision about whether I wanted to play or not, but I thought you can be a long time retired and there may come a time when it's harder to play," he says. "I am fitter now than when I played before and have lost a bit of weight. Everything just fitted into place and it made a lot of sense to do it. It is also part of my ongoing recovery and part of it is to make up for what I did and repair damaged relationships, so I am delighted to be coming back. 

"I am just looking forward to getting back and trying to contribute in different ways. I am not the same cricketer as I was. The clubs I have played at were not playing at the same level, but I would say my batting has come on and I am enjoying being part of the game as much. I am looking to contribute as well as I can and play to whatever level I can. 

"I bring a lot of experience because of the age I am and the amount of cricket I have played. It always plays a part having a blend of youth and experience. I think the most successful teams in this league have been those with that. Every team has one or two superstars, but it is the teams that have real depth that do well and hopefully I will add a bit of that as well." 

Explaining his improved fitness levels, he adds: "I have become obsessed with running over lockdown. In March last year when lockdown hit I thought how am I going to cope with this with my background and so I thought I needed to start doing something. 

"I started running and I got into it and set myself a target to run 1000k in 100 days for the Professional Cricketers Trust, who have supported me, and got me through that. Now I really enjoy it. It is great for the mind and body. That has been massive for me and it has had the positive effect of making me lose a bit of weight, which will hopefully help me."

Horspath's side has evolved in the seasons since Pat left, but some familiar faces remain including Will Eason, Lloyd Belcher and Stephen Green. 

Pat, who has got married since coming out of rehab and now lives at Ducklington, adds: "Will is one of the best club cricketers around. Lloyd was a kid when I was playing, but one I always thought had a huge amount of ability and was very talented. I have not been surprised to see him doing well, and also become captain. I played a fair amount with Greeny and against Anupam (Sanklecha), who I believe is coming. Thank God I am on his team and not playing against him because he is an unbelievable cricketer."

Pat's journey has led him to work for EPIC Risk Management, a consultancy that helps prevent gambling-related harm. It has seen him speak at more than 200 schools, more than 100 sporting organisations and around 50 businesses. 

"I do feel like I have got a second chance at life," he says. "There is no doubting there are a lot of scars that come with what I have been through mentally and challenges. It is not fixed overnight - as they say Rome was not built in a day - but I am in a lot better place. 

"Financially I still have a lot of debt which I will be paying off for years. I will have to make sacrifices and to go through that is all good. I would not wish anyone to go through what I have been through - not even my worst enemy - but I am a better person for it and stronger for it." 

Horspath director of cricket Will Eason is happy to see the return of his old bowling partner. He says: "I'm delighted that Pat has made the decision to come back to the club. I don't think any of us could imagine what he has been through over the last few years.

"It's great that he has been able to open up about his issues, and use it as a positive tool to educate others now. He has been missed both on and off the pitch, and we are looking forward to seeing him back in action with the club."

Posted by: Russ