michael branch wolverhampton wanderers birmingham city
michael branch wolverhampton wanderers birmingham city
Michael Branch was once regarded as one of English football's brightest young prospects, earning comparisons with Robbie Fowler after breaking into Everton's first team as a teenager.
The former striker went on to represent Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Manchester City, as well as earning international recognition with England Under-21s.
However, his promising career eventually took a dramatic turn, culminating in a seven-year prison sentence in 2012 after police uncovered his involvement in serious drug offences.
Michael Branch was once tipped for the top after Everton breakthrough
michael branch everton
michael branch everton
Born in Liverpool in October 1978, Branch came through Everton's academy before making his senior debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford in February 1996, aged just 17.
His emergence generated considerable excitement at Goodison Park, with the young forward quickly attracting comparisons to Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler.
However, Branch struggled to fulfil the expectations placed upon him and gradually fell out of favour at Everton.
Loan spells at Manchester City and Birmingham City followed before he joined Wolves on loan in late 1999. After scoring four times in 11 appearances, the Midlands club made his move permanent for £500,000.
Branch initially featured regularly at Molineux but struggled to maintain his form, managing just six more goals in 67 appearances following his permanent arrival.
Further loan spells at Reading and Hull City followed before he departed Wolves in 2003, subsequently representing Bradford City and Chester City.
His professional career eventually came to an end in 2006, with spells at non-league Halifax Town and Burscough following as he attempted to prolong his playing days.
Police discovered high-purity cocaine at Michael Branch's home
michael branch wolverhampton wanderers
michael branch wolverhampton wanderers
Following his retirement from professional football, Branch found himself struggling with financial difficulties and became involved in the criminal underworld.
On July 10, 2012, he was arrested by officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency following an investigation into drug supply.
The investigation uncovered two separate incidents. In March 2012, Branch had handed over almost three kilograms of amphetamine to another man in a Liverpool car park.
Andre, Wolves, Liverpool
Andre, Wolves, Liverpool
Four months later, officers searched his home in Otterspool, Liverpool, where they discovered one kilogram of high-purity cocaine.
The drugs were reported to have an estimated street value of approximately £160,000, making for a shocking discovery involving a former professional footballer who had once represented his country at youth level.
Branch subsequently admitted charges of supplying Class A and Class B drugs at Chester Crown Court. On November 8, 2012, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
He ultimately served three-and-a-half years behind bars, with his release coming in 2016.
Michael Branch has rebuilt his life after prison sentence
michael branch wolverhampton wanderers 2
michael branch wolverhampton wanderers 2
However, Branch's story did not end with his imprisonment, with the former Everton forward working hard to rebuild his life following his release.
He joined Everton in the Community in 2016, initially working on programmes supporting former offenders as they attempted to reintegrate into society.
His experiences also helped him connect with vulnerable young people.
Branch has since taken on various roles within the charity, including outreach work supporting young people into education, training and employment.
More recently, he established Social Striders Liverpool, a free running group designed to promote positive mental health through exercise and conversation.
Having previously spoken openly about the difficulties he experienced following his imprisonment, Branch has also become an advocate for mental health awareness and rehabilitation.