LENNY ‘GUTTED’ BY BORO’S ‘SHOCKER’
LENNY Pidgeley says he is “gutted” final club Farnborough announced his retirement from football due to mental health issues before he could tell his family and friends.
The ex-Chelsea goalkeeper brought an end to his 18-year career on Tuesday with Boro revealing his long battle with depression.
In a statement, Farnborough complained of the “shocking timing” of Pidgeley’s announcement that coincidently left them without a goalkeeper for their FA Cup first round qualifying at Lewes, which they eventually lost on penalties.
The Southern League South club, after receiving heavy criticism from supporters and players, have since backtracked on their statement saying it “referred to us being shocked regarding the sad information we received on that afternoon”. Pidgeley tweeted: “I’ve never talked about my depression in the last 10 years, a part too my close friends and family but after that club statement seems to be out the bag. The messages of support already are much appreciated guys. “I’m gutted the way it’s ended and that I never got to tell my friends and family that I will no longer be doing something I have done for the last 18 years.” Before tweeting Farnborough’s club account: “Why did you announce my retirement?”