Former Wanderers youngster Quade Taylor has opened up about his struggles with a gambling addiction.

Taylor had a spell with the Whites between 2014 and 2016 after leaving Crystal Palace, with his only first-team appearance coming in a 1-0 defeat against Birmingham.

Since leaving the UniBol, the defender has had stints at Braintree Town and Dulwich Hamlet in the non-league pyramid.

Taylor credits former Dulwich boss Gavin Rose and his coaching staff for helping him rediscover his love for the game.

“I was up north for two years. It was a great experience but due to my personal problems off the field, I lost my appetite for football. I was done,” he told South London Press.

“I was battling stuff off the pitch – gambling. If it had not been for Gavin, Kads (Junior Kadi) and Kevin James at the time, I would have easily given up and I don’t know what I would be doing now.

“They stuck by me and helped me more than anyone actually knows, just by talking and supporting me.

“From there, I rediscovered my love for the game. I felt at home at Dulwich and felt comfortable to be able to do what I do.”

Taylor has now gone nearly two years without placing a bet and says the birth of his daughter was a major turning point.

“My worst was at Bolton,” he added. “It became addictive, especially in Bolton where you can get to a casino within five minutes. It’s a small town.

“But even at Crystal Palace, adapting to having so much free time and having more money than you’re used to having – it was just filling the gap in the day.”

The 29-year-old decided to leave Dulwich this summer following their relegation from National League South. He made 238 appearances for the club in total.

“It was a tough decision,” Taylor explained. “I have always wanted to stay at Dulwich as long as possible.

“If that was until I retired, that was the ideal situation, no matter what league we were in. This was just the right time to try something new.

“A key part of that was Peter (Adeniyi). He was at Dulwich and I knew him outside of football – it made my decision 10 times easier already.

“What he wants is exactly what I want, and the style of play he wants to play suits me. Hopefully, we can build something down there and be successful.”