Stan Collymore has revealed that he tried to get in touch with troubled Stoke striker Saido Berahino while he was at West Brom.
Sky News has reported that Berahino, 25, pleaded not guilty to a charge of drink-driving at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It is the latest episode in a long-line of off-the-field incidents that Berahino has been involved in during his time with both West Brom and Stoke.
In 2015, he admitted to a charge of drink driving while he has also been filmed inhaling ‘hippy crack’ and his charity foundation has been investigated after failing to send any money to Water Aid.
Ex-Aston Villa forward Collymore has revealed that he has thought about reaching out to Berahino in the past, and has suggested what the once-bright youngster needs.
“When he first got into bother at WBA I wanted to contact him to give him and share my experiences. He lives nearby and every time I pass I want to knock the door,” said Collymore via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday morning.
“Kid needs a b********g, brutal honesty and also support.
“This isn’t as straightforward as his bravado suggests.”
OPINION
Berahino’s career is going down the drain quicker than anyone else’s in English football. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene at West Brom in 2013 when he scored a hat-trick in his first start. The striker looked like a bright prospect for the next year or so, scoring goals for fun, earning a call-up for England and attracting interest from Tottenham. However when that move to Spurs failed to pan out, Berahino acted like a spoiled brat and most West Brom fans agree that Tony Pulis’ handling of the striker was one of the best things that the Welshman did at The Hawthorns. Stoke, for some reason, then decided to sign him for £12million and since then he has gave them just five goals in just over two years. It is a shame for Stoke, their fans and their professional first team players to have to put up with Berahino. Collymore should definitely try and get in contact with him if he can. He might be the most qualified person to talk to the Stoke player right now.