ANDY’S QUAY TO SANITY

DESPITE making history with Welsh League side Connah’s Quay Nomads Andy Morrison could see the warning signs and shocked everyone by quitting as manager last week.

Still revered at Manchester City for leading the climb from their lowest ever position back to the top flight as a player the 51-year-old has also battled mental health problems.

Six years at Connah’s Quay, winning the title two seasons in succession which meant entry to the Champions League, has taken its toll.

This time around unlike when he left City as a player he was not prepared to allow a spiral into depression which at its worst had him contemplating taking his own life.

“Six years of taking Connah’s Quay Nomads into Europe meant that they were back to back seasons. We’d finish one season in mid May and then we’re back in on June lst,” he said.

“With all the work that goes with that and the consequences of Covid over the past couple of seasons has made it really tough.

“European games were good but it was really difficult and challenging. At the end of last season there was a feeling that I had taken the club as far as I could. Not only that, I felt I needed a break. I needed to get away from football for a period.

“But after getting into the Champions League again I wanted to stay and see that through. Then our domestic season started and I didn’t have the necessary drive so I felt it was the right time to step away.

“The club were understanding about the intensity of managing at this level with just two weeks off a year. Even during those two weeks you’re preparing your squad, arranging friendlies, looking at your training schedules so it’s non stop.

“I suppose some people might look at it as a courageous decision but I remember having two or three months off before starting at Connah’s Quay and I could recall the energy and the drive, my focus and attention was incredible. I felt that was missing. A break was needed to recharge my batteries.”

He feels that the pressures on managers at the lower levels of the game are often underestimated and if allowed to build up can have an effect on their mental well being.

Morrison added: “Whether a club’s remit is to make the play-offs or stay in the league at all levels there is pressure on managers.

“The expectations are in line with investment and the vision a club has so no one is allowed to be a comfort zone.

“If you are then you’re in the wrong club.”

STRAIN Andy Morrison has suffered for his art, bringing success to Nomads