The 40-year-old sat on railway tracks near his Hampshire home and waited for a train to take his troubles away.

But he managed to jump out the way at the last minute after pictures of his family flashed before his eyes.

He said: 'I just longed for the train to hit me, I wanted it all to end.

'I heard it coming, but the train driver sounded his horn.

'I suddenly pictured my two lovely kids, stepchildren, mum and dad and my fiancée Karen and thought, "What am I doing?" I just got out of the way as the train whizzed past me.'

After the incident Aspinall checked into the Sporting Chance Clinic established by Tony Adams, Pompey's assistant manager who overcame alcoholism himself.

Mr Aspinall, 40, added: 'I've worked it out that I've done at least £1m gambling over my career.

'It makes me sick to think about it.

'I don't have a house or savings, but I'm working hard to earn a decent wage. But most important of all I have my life back and I have the love of my family and Karen. I haven't had a drink or a bet for ten or twelve weeks now. I feel very powerful.'

Mr Aspinall said: 'I was admitted to their clinic on January 20 this year and I completed the 26-day programme.

'It saved my life. I can't thank Peter, James West (the clinical director] and the others enough. Without them I'd be in a wooden box now.'

He has since completed a recovery programme at the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire and has been clean for 10 weeks.

Aspinall is clean now and is determined to stay that way, he hopes that others will learn from his mistakes.

He said: 'I know that one bet or one drink and I'm a goner. I couldn't do that to the people who have cared for me. I think there needs to be more education for young players. They need to know the dangers. There are young lads out there now having a drink and having a bet. My advice to them is, stop now.'

The sporting hero - who has also played for Aston Villa and Everton will be interviewed tonight on Radio Five Live on The Brian Alexander Special at 8pm.