Virus stirs up Kev’s anxiety
FOOTBALL’S uncertain future, which could leave some lower-league players on the dole, has cast another dark cloud over Morecambe FC Kevin Ellison.
The EFL’S second-oldest player at 41 has opened up in the past about the mental health issues which have at times made his life a struggle. Others, he says, have suffered in silence, too scared to admit their feelings of depression and anxiety.
With coronavirus still raging, players in the lower leagues are battling for their futures and their mental well-being.
Ellison said: “In the last couple of weeks I’ve been back in touch with the PFA and have been talking to a counsellor again.
“My contract finishes at the end of June and I know that in the present circumstances clubs like Morecambe are going to be struggling financially. I’m wondering how I will be able to provide for my family. Will I be able to pay the mortgage? Will I be able to pay my bills?
“It’s all right for the Premier League. They are looking to start up again in the middle of June and they are well funded. But it’s a different situation further down the scale. Livelihoods are at stake at clubs like mine.
“It’s also going to impact on players, like myself, who have mental health issues.”
Players like Ellison are vulnerable as football’s financial crisis bites. In Mental Awareness Week, Ellison believes clubs could do more to help players.
He added: “There will be players struggling mentally who are not opening up.
“I don’t think as many footballers would suffer with mental issues if clubs had an expert in this field on their staff, a go-to counsellor.”
Ellison is considering becoming a counsellor himself once his playing career is over.
“I have finished a counselling course which I have been doing through the PFA,” he said.
“Hopefully one day I will be able be actively involved. Because of what has happened to me I have a passion for helping other people.”