TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR are reportedly the first of the Premier League’s “big six” looking to recruit a Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Manager, after a job advertisement appeared online last week.

The new role aims to prioritise and target support to the development of academy players during their time at the club.

The pressures of the sport are clear, particularly for young players coming up through the ranks; the competitive nature of the career choice, the challenges of puberty and the effects of the pandemic. Such issues are all good reason to implement an internal support structure. 

The job advertisement states: “The role will be pivotal in ensuring compliance with national standards, clinical and good practice, and any legal requirements. This role will also be responsible for ensuring the Club can respond to changes in Premier League, FA and Government policy.

“The Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Manager will drive workforce awareness and development about mental health and embed it into all aspects of the business.”

The club follows in the footsteps of Brighton, who appointed James Bell as their Head of Performance Psychology and Wellbeing department in 2020, a first in English football.

Ex-Spurs player Danny Rose helped to initiate the conversation surrounding mental health when he opened up about his own struggles in 2018. 

He believes the deterioration in his mental health was triggered by a knee injury that caused an eight-month absence from training and playing football, coupled with a family tragedy.

He told the Guardian: “It led to me seeing a psychologist and I was diagnosed with depression.”

Tottenham have since worked on bringing awareness to fans about the issues surrounding psychological wellbeing, most recently by participating in the “Mind Series,” a three-team friendly tournament that took place during pre-season. 

Proceeds raised from ticket sales were split between the mental health charity Mind, and each of the club’s charitable foundations. The funds were used to support mental health and wellbeing projects in communities both at home and overseas.