Leeds back O’brien on depression treatment
LEEDS defender Andy O’brien will receive the club’s full support as he bids to win back his first-team place after receiving treatment for depression.
Manager Simon Grayson declared O’brien had no future at Elland Road after the centre-half refused to play in Leeds’ 2-1 win at Burnley in November and the 32-year-old has been sidelined since then.
But following an internal inquiry, the club has urged fans to give the former Newcastle and Bolton player their full support after his treatment at the Sporting Chance clinic.
An official statement read: “The club brought disciplinary action against the player following his refusal to play against Burnley on November 19, 2011.
“It was announced at that time that the player’s future would be determined after a full investigation.
Treatment
“The investigation led to a fuller understanding of the issues the player has faced since the start of the season, which has seen him seek specialist medical treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic for depression.
“He is now ready to recommence training and the club will facilitate any further treatment that is required.
“We were exceptionally disappointed when Andy refused to play before the Burnley game and felt let down. It is now apparent that there were a number of issues he was dealing with at that time which affected him in a way we could not imagine and he was not in the right state of mind to make such decisions.
“On this basis we believe he deserves a second chance and we will do everything we can to assist him. The club would appeal to its fans to support the player.”