ACE BILLY BATTLES BACK TO BEAT HIS DEMONS

ACCRINGTON Stanley’s Billy Kee has opened up about his battle with depression which almost saw him quit football.

The 15-goal striker revealed he went back to working on a building site as he struggled with mental health issues at the end of last year.

“It’s really hard and it’s something I will always have,” said the 26-year-old talisman.

“I have never shied away from my problems and I will talk to anyone about it.

“It was really bad depression last year and I have had to bounce back, get myself together and get myself right, and the gaffer (John Coleman) and Jimmy (Bell – assistant manager) have been brilliant at supporting me.

“It’s hard as people do not realise. They look at you and think you have a good job, a lovely family but it doesn’t change the way you feel.

“I was coming into the club every day and wanting to cry and not play football. That’s wrong as it’s the best job in the world.”

The forward had been scoring at a consistent rate for Stanley but realised in October he needed some time away.

“I went to work on a building site for two or three weeks and it was a very different experience and it helped me.

“It was a different life. I had to get up at 7am and finish at 5pm and it was hard. It allowed me to stand back and look at my life and the options I had available.

“I realised that football, and the support you get, could help me and the gaffer and Jimmy were there for me.

“I realised I can come into work every day, have banter with my mates, have a good laugh and am getting paid good wages for doing something I love. I had to realise that I was a lucky boy.”