MENTAL HEALTH support in football has come a long way – but the work must continue to help players have a first conversation which can “change everything,” according to former England winger Aaron Lennon.

Starting out at hometown club Leeds before joining Tottenham in 2005, Lennon also had spells at Everton, Burnley and in Turkey with Kayserispor before retiring in 2022 following the end of a second spell with the Clarets.

In May 2017, while he was at Everton, Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act over concerns for his welfare. He was taken to hospital for assessment, going on to receive care and treatment for a stress-related illness.