We don't always talk about it properly, so I'll be blunt: mental health matters. I've seen depression in my family, lived with a condition that brings fatigue, and now watch my daughter battle low self-esteem and the same shadows. It’s awful as a parent. My first thought when I heard about the player was concern, plain and simple. Whatever the specifics, the club and the supporters should be about helping, not pointing fingers.

What it feels like on the inside

For anyone who’s had flare ups of fatigue or low mood, it can feel isolating. You’re at home, the world carries on, and you still have to find the energy just to move. I’ve adopted a ‘get on with it’ mentality because that’s how I cope, but it doesn’t make those days less hard. For me, the fact antidepressants help with nerve pain has been a small lifeline — it tackles two problems at once — but that’s just my experience. Everyone’s journey is different and we can’t assume we know what someone is going through from the outside.

Support at the club level matters

Clubs have a responsibility beyond the pitch. Players are human beings first. We should be asking if enough support was in place at previous stops in a player’s career and if the current setup has the right people and pathways to help. That isn’t about blame so much as learning. To be fair, I’d rather a player took time to get right than be pushed back too soon for appearances’ sake.

A simple plea from one fan and father to another

I’m proud of my daughter — she became a teacher despite everything she battles with, and that tells you about resilience. My plea is straightforward: offer support, encourage talking, make sure help is available. Use the platforms we have to check in on each other. I’ve been lucky to talk openly with my wife, and forums like this can be a space to be heard. If you’re struggling, say so. If someone tells you they’re struggling, listen. That’s how we start to look after each other properly at Ibrox and beyond.

Written by Flb: 12 June 2026

Tags: transfers