, it s good to talk

GARY TEDDER believes Swindon Town’s appointment of Martin Ling, who has suffered from depression, is a big step forward

ation – indicated that 38 per cent of active professional footballers, and 35 per cent of those who have retired, have reported experiencing symptoms relating to conditions ranging from low self-esteem, through distress and burnout, to depression and anxiety.

In addition to which, they could also be affected by the adverse nutritional and alcohol behaviour often associated with these states. To give context to these figures, it is estimated that in any one year approximately 25 per cent of British adults will endure at least one mental health issue.

The psyche of footballers can be affected by any number of factors – their own form, the team’s performance, injury, the sacking and appointing of managers, contract negotiations, or, just like you and I, the strains of maintaining personal relationships.

For retired players, the difficulties encountered in adjusting to a less structured and potentially less well supported – in the widest sense of the word – lifestyle once a playing career has finished can have the most significant impact.

However, sport in general is becoming