Dermot Reeve sells Wisden to raise money

Dermot Reeve, a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1996, has placed his leather-bound Almanack up for sale in a desperate attempt to raise some money.

Reeve, once a millionaire with lucrative opportunities in coaching and the media, is currently staying with his brother in the UK as he seeks work.

He was awarded the 1996 Wisden, with his name printed on the front cover in golden gilt, as one of the Almanack's traditional Five Cricketers after a 1995 season in which his Warwickshire side won the double to complete a 24-month period in which they claimed six trophies. It is signed on the title page by both Reeve and the Wisden editor at the time, Matthew Engel. It is believed to be the first time that such an item has come up for sale from a living player.

"I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm being disrespectful to Wisden," Reeve told ESPNcricinfo. "The award was very special to me and my family and I have cherished it.

"But I live in Perth and my kids are in Sydney. Being apart from them is the most painful thing I have experienced and if this pays for a couple of flights so I can see them more often, it will be worth it."

Reeve played three Tests and 29 ODIs for England, including the 1992 World Cup final, as a seam-bowling allrounder. He then had several years as head coach at Somerset, was briefly appointed to the same role at Yorkshire - the club changed their mind before he started - before moving more towards the media.

The seeds of his downfall were a drug problem that ruined his marriage and career. Having left Channel 4 in 2004 after admitting taking cocaine while working, he surrendered his home and the bulk of his savings in a divorce settlement. While he was, at that stage, hopeful he could recoup his losses through a return to coaching, he has not found the opportunities he anticipated. He now claims to be drug-free.

"I still think I've a lot to offer in terms of coaching," he said. "I coached my Grade side in Perth to a title and I'll be back there in a couple of months to prepare for the new season. I'd love an opportunity to show what I can do at a county."

Reeve's predicament may shock some in the cricket world. While it is far from unheard of for former cricketers to struggle once their playing careers have ended, Reeve appeared to have the skills and intelligence to enjoy a successful post-playing career. At one stage he owned several properties and was seen as one of the most original thinkers in the game. As recently as 2015, he was invited to attend training and share his thoughts with England's limited-overs side.

At the time of writing, Reeve's Wisden - numbered 5 in a limited-edition of 150 leather-bound copies - has attracted a bid of £2100. The on-line auction is open until 9pm on June 30.