Despite timely and important books like this one, mental health is still a taboo in many football clubs as the author himself discovered when trying to interview players for his book.
Containing insightful and at times entertaining (football fanatic and bestselling crime writer Val McDernaid gives a wonderfully entertaining interview), the book is a must read for any football fan and anyone interested in mental health and well being ie all of us hopefully.
Plenty of footballers past and present open up and give their personal experiences including Chris Kirkland, Sam Hutchinson and the Secret Footballer.
The final part of the book gives some useful, practical tips on improving your mental health, many tieing in with attending football as a supporter.
Timely and easily accessible this book goes a long way to opening up the discussions on mental health and general well-being in football, from both the players and fans perspectives.

A brilliant, open and honest book about mental health in football. This book shines a light on the unbelievably under-reported issue of mental health that permeates through all levels of football, including the impact some fans can have on the mental health of players, and the intersectionality with other serious issues in the game including racism, sexuality, and gender.

The author has engaged in interviews with a number of players and people associated with the game, alongside being open about his own mental health battles. Whilst the stories told often jump from point to point, it’s adds to the authenticity of it.

This quote made me so angry: “Most clubs have either batted me away, saying they don’t want their players or staff discussing mental health, or they ignored me completely.” Just on that basis alone (although there are many more bases!) this is a much-needed book for the future of football. I thoroughly recommend it to football fans and people interested in mental health generally.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.