‘Goodison Gazza’ Billy Kenny: ‘The only time I’ve had peace was when I was locked up’

‘If my idols tell me to have a drink I’ll have a drink. I was always drunk from then on,’ says Billy Kenny of his time at Everton. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

“I was just a kid and no one was there for me,” Billy Kenny says as he wipes away the tears of hurt and regret on a September afternoon in Liverpool. “I’m angry with Everton for not looking after me.

“Listen, I’m no angel. I’ve played my part, but there are other people who played their part in the demise of Billy Kenny. So I’m still bitter and frustrated today, at the age of 53. It was an absolute waste of talent.”