7: Shaun Derry talks IVF for the First Time, Alcohol in Football & Fighting for His Premier League Chance

Former Premier League and Championship midfielder Shaun Derry joins More Than A Name for a hilarious, honest and emotional conversation about football and life beyond the badge.
Shaun explains how he made it to the Premier League by maximising his ability, the outrageous initiation culture at Notts County, and the excessive drinking culture that existed within football — and how meeting his future wife helped save his career.
In a first public discussion, Shaun also opens up about going through IVF with his partner during his time at Leeds United - the same club where he suffered a career-threatening ankle injury - and the mental toll that period took. He shares eye-opening stories about what young players used to have to go through to make it, and laugh-out-loud tales from QPR’s Premier League years. He also explains why players nicknamed him “the crab”, and reflects on parenting children now forging their own paths in football.
We also discuss his coaching journey, including how he felt when Patrick Vieira moved him on at Crystal Palace.
This is a conversation about resilience, honesty, family, and identity — with plenty of laughs along the way.
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