Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Pause Icon A two-lined pause icon for stopping interactions. Quote Mark A opening quote mark. Quote Mark A closing quote mark. Arrow An icon of an arrow. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Menu An icon of 3 horizontal lines. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Twitter An icon of the Twitter logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Information An icon of an information logo. Plus A mathematical 'plus' symbol. Duration An icon indicating Time. Success Tick An icon of a green tick. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Facebook Messenger An icon of the facebook messenger app logo. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Facebook Messenger An icon of the Twitter app logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. WhatsApp Messenger An icon of the Whatsapp messenger app logo. Email An icon of an mail envelope. Copy link A decentered black square over a white square.

Brechin goalie Patrick O’Neil pleads with players not to suffer in silence during shutdown as he reflects on how football community helped him after dad’s death

26/06/16 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY BRECHIN v ABERDEEN (0-3) GLEBE PARK - BRECHIN Brechin's Paddy O'Neil
Paddy O'Neil in action for Brechin.

Brechin goalkeeper Paddy O’Neil has pleaded with fellow footballers not to suffer in silence – and urged them to pick up the phone if they’re struggling during lower league shutdown.

The 28-year-old admits the three-week postponement of League One and League Two is a huge blow for players’ mental health.

O’Neil has been outspoken about the need for greater mental health support in the wake of losing his own father, Danny, who died suddenly in November aged 60.

He knows these three weeks could end up feeling like an eternity so has called on anyone finding it hard just to give him a buzz.

‘It’s so important that nobody suffers alone’

O’Neil said: “These are dark days.

“This news will obviously have come as a massive blow to so many players in the lower divisions who just live for the game.

“We understand the reasons behind the decision but it still doesn’t make it any easier for a lot of boys.

“They will be missing not just what they love doing most, football, but the camaraderie and support network that football offers.

“It’s so important that nobody suffers alone. Personally, I would urge anyone not to think twice about picking up the phone.

“I’d be happy to speak about anything. It’s something I’m so passionate about to help people who might be struggling.

“Sometimes you have to talk. From my perspective, nothing would be a hassle.

“To be honest, it can make such a difference just having a simple chat.

“I know that better than anyone after what my own family have had to come through following my dad’s death.

“The PFA are providing a really good service as well. As long as people know there’s someone to turn to, that’s the main thing.”

O’Neil, who’s been comforting his mother Patricia in recent weeks, has insisted football helped him get back on his feet following his father’s death.

‘Football gave me a new focus’

He added: “Getting back to football and having the support of my team-mates as well as the wider football world helped me tremendously.

“It gave me a new focus and just gave me a different space to put my head twice a week for training – followed by match-day on the Saturday.

“So to have it taken away just like that is hard. And I think it might be harder this time round because it’s January.

“The nights are longer with not a lot to do so that can bring its own challenges.

“I’m sure others will be feeling exactly the same. Some guys might have lifestyle issues, employment or finance problems to contend with so soon after Christmas.

“Many could have lost their jobs and be really worried about the future which is understandable.

“Who knows when our season will restart? I don’t think there are any guarantees about anything right now.

“But if we all try and stick together as much as possible it can help tackle this massive problem.”