Jimmy: I was in a lot of junior Hassel

HE was known on the pitch for his wide smile, a lethal shot and an electric burst of pace. But life could have turned out very differently for former Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

- By STUART JAMIESON

The Dutch forward smashed 33 goals in 89 appearances for Boro between 2004 and 2006, helping the Teessiders reach the UEFA Cup final in two memorable seasons.

After enjoying a stellar career with the likes of Leeds United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, Hasselbaink has embarked on a coaching career, most recently working with former Middlesbrough team-mate Gareth Southgate as part of the England set up.

Now 53, the popular striker has reflected on his difficult upbringing in the Netherlands, and admits it was football which helped save him from a very different life.