He was destined to shine in football's biggest stadiums alongside legendary team-mates such as Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.
But following a spate of serious injuries he turned to a life of crime.
Now 46, he faces life in prison after admitting his role in a multi-million-pound drugs operation, which shipped industrial amounts of cocaine from South America into Europe.
Led by his older brother Jonathan Cassidy, 50, the racket transported hundreds of kilograms of drugs into Liverpool, a court has heard.
The consignments were hidden in modified vehicles and came via Amsterdam from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia.
Once the cocaine landed in Merseyside, it was Jamie's job to distribute it across England and Scotland through a network of trusted couriers.
Richard Wright, KC, prosecuting said Jamie played an operational and managerial role in the cocaine importation business run by his brother, and Jonathan's business partner Nasar Ahmed, 51.
The foul play capped a shocking descent into criminality by the former prodigy, who aged 12 was accepted into the Liverpool FC academy alongside Carragher and Owen.
In his 2008 autobiography, Carragher said his old pal "would have been a certain Liverpool regular if he hadn't suffered so much with injuries".
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 21, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 21, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
FEARLESS BEN A BAZ SINGER
BEN DUCKETT says working with coach Brendon McCullum has taken his game to a new level – because Bazball has removed the fear factor.
BALDWIN IS ONE HELLUVA DRIVER
World No.363 Matt is lining up a shock win at Wentworth... but says he was more nervous in days when he drové his Amazon van!
HOUGHT TO END ON A HIGH
Danny says the good times will return at Hull as he prepares for his final match
Hire and higher
One of Britain's last film rental stores is enjoying the busiest time in its 29-year history, thanks to a surge in interest from nostalgia-seeking movie buffs.
Mum should be proud...she made me a warrior
Joshua's mother helped him steer away from a life of crime
FOOLISH IDEA TO MAKE DEL A MILLIONAIRE
Sir David: It ruined Fools and Horses
Dishonesty is not one of my Traits
Tall story, or will Richard be Celebrity Traitor?
Liar, lover, mother, diamond thief.. it's all true
GoT's Sophie on getting under the skin of an unlikely heroine
To friends...
Battle of Arnhem hero, 99, returns to salute the fallen
£5.5M AFTER BEING STABBED IN PRISON
Burglar left with fear of kitchens after killer's attack