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      in Motorsport

      Ex-F1 boss Michael Masi says he fell into mental turmoil after Lewis Hamilton’s controversial title loss in Abu Dhabi GP

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      EX-FORMULA ONE race director Michael Masi has revealed he fell into mental turmoil after the controversial ending to the 2021 season. Michael Masi, 44, was overseeing the season finale in Abu Dhabi when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s title battle reached its climax.
      Michael Masi has revealed he received professional help after the 2021 season finaleCredit: Getty
      It comes as Hamilton said he has ‘nothing to say’ to MasiCredit: Getty
      Following a late crash by Nicholas Latifi which prompted a safety car, Masi then allowed lapped cars to unlap themselves to set up a one lap shootout between Verstappen and Hamilton.
      On fresh tyres Verstappen went on to overtake the Brit and snatch away Hamilton’s would-be record eighth world title, despite the Brit leading for most of the race.
      The fallout from the decision was huge, with Masi axed as race director in the following February before later leaving the FIA to move back to Australia in the summer.
      Lifting the lid on the backlash he received, Masi has revealed he battled through mental turmoil, bringing in professional help to help with his rehabilitation.
      READ MORE IN F1
      In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: “When I stopped at the FIA, I told my parents, ‘Those days are done for me’.
      “I had told them after the Abu Dhabi fallout not to bother reading or watching anything. It’s not healthy.
      “The place can be a very toxic place. In many ways social media can be a great tool, but not so great in others.
      “I have spent time looking after myself. It’s done me good. It’s what I needed. I spent a lot of time getting into physical shape but didn’t spend enough on the mental side for a long while.
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      “There were people I was speaking to privately, my then partner – she was an amazing support – and friends and family.
      “As for professional help, I got that, but probably later than I should have done – the latter part of last year, but things had largely calmed down by then.”
      An FIA investigation into the race concluded “human error” led to Hamilton losing to Verstappen.
      Masi has returned to the F1 paddock for the first time since the incident ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, however, Hamilton has declared he will not speak to Masi about the 2021 incident.
      Asked by reporters whether he would seek out an explanation from Masi, Hamilton replied: “I don’t [plan to]. I am just focused on my future.
      “I am focused on trying to get back to winning. There is nothing to say.”

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham splash out on ‘well-being guru’ so under-fire stars can relax with yoga, art classes and poetry readings

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      MILLIONAIRE stars at Prem giants Spurs were branded selfish and savaged for not being able to perform under pressure – and now they are being pampered with a “well-being guru” to keep stars happy.Fiery boss Antonio Conte faces the boot for turning on his own team after a string of dismal results culminating in last weekend’s capitulation at rock bottom Southampton which ended in a 3-3 draw.
      Tottenham stars spotted in trainingCredit: Rex
      They are in line to be supported by a ‘well-being guru’Credit: PA
      But rather than toughen up the “Spursy” line-up, the club is splashing out on a new employee to meet their off-field needs – including yoga, art classes and poetry readings.
      The executive will work alongside Tottenham’s psychologists who monitor stars’ state of mind, and player care officers who tackle mundane tasks like sourcing motors and opening bank accounts for players including Harry Kane.
      They will be expected to set up health and well-being activities for the squad, and create a network of mental health “first aiders” to assist struggling staff and players.
      An ad reveals: “The Club is seeking a Health & Wellbeing Lead to develop the Health and Wellbeing Services across the club.
      READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
      “As the Health & Wellbeing Lead, your primary focus will be on our employees.
      “You will work with key stakeholders on supporting our development of elite players (including boys / girls and Women’s).
      “The Health & Wellbeing Lead will drive workforce awareness and development about mental health and embed it into all aspects of the business.”
      The exec will “produce quarterly and annual reports on health & wellbeing noting key areas of progress and development, including documented rates of staff and player wellbeing and present to key stakeholder groups”.
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      Spurs stars will be treated to yoga classesCredit: Getty
      And also be taught in art classesCredit: AFP
      And “facilitate appropriate risk assessments and risk management”.
      The candidate will “work closely with already existing health & well-being contributors within the business (this includes, e.g. Club Psychologists, Player Care Manager, Player Liaison, Medical, the Head of Safeguarding, HR, and Safeguarding Officers)”.
      And “develop a programme of day-to-day wellbeing activities for staff on all sites”.
      Last night furious Spurs fans hit out at the club.
      Shiraz Harwood said: “No wonder the players can’t cope on the pitch – they are pampered and treated like princesses. It’s pretty pathetic.”
      John Hobson said: “Conte was right after all. The club is a joke.” More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Man City midfielder but I gave it up to be a car salesman… now I’m a qualified counsellor to help others

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      FORMER Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley made a drastic career change following his own experiences with addiction.The ex-professional footballer, 44, gave up his sporting career to become a car salesman – and he is now a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist.
      Former Manchester City Footballer Jeff Whitley worked as a car salesman at the Stockport Car SupermarketCredit: Manchester Evening News
      After ending his playing career in 2010, Whitley worked at a car dealership in Stockport, the Manchester Evening News reported.
      Whitley was a salesman at Stockport Car Supermarket.
      He told The Sun: “It was something I fell into after playing.”
      After that, he decided to change his path again.
      read more in Football
      He said: “I went into counselling sound because it’s something I was interested in – helping others and helping players.”
      Now, he has more than 15 years of experience in addiction and relapse prevention and recovery.
      He is registered under the Counselling Directory where his profile explains his background and aims.
      As an ex-professional footballer, trying to compete at the highest level on a weekly basis and trying to please others came with its own challenges and problems which I later had to address.Former Man City Midfielder Jeff Whitley
      Whitley added: “I have a strong passion for addictions therapy such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, gaming and gambling addictions, as I myself am a recovering addict and have been a member of AA, CA, GA etc for many years.”
      Most read in Football
      He is well-equipped with the tools and personal experience to help, as he explains: “I’m able to offer first hand help, guidance and continued support to recovery with a goal to achieve sobriety and abstinence from all addictions as well as relapse prevention.”
      He also works in Professional Football providing counselling, support, therapy and mentoring.
      He covers a range of issues including anxiety, depression, anger and confidence, particularly among professional footballers.
      Discussing his troubled past, Whitley told SunSport in 2020: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”
      He added: “There’s this ripple effect of people who are getting hurt through your actions and they can’t do anything apart from look after themselves. That’s my biggest regret.”
      That’s not all, though. Whitley’s career has been full of fabulous twists and turns.
      He even worked as a football coach at a development centre linked with League Two club Morecambe.
      The centre started in 2015 at Loreto High School, across the road from Whitley’s old school Oakwood (now Chorlton High).
      In December 2018, the ex-Northern Ireland international was hired by the PFA’s Wellbeing team.
      They offer free support to footballers past and present on issues ranging from addiction to anxiety, depression and “just feeling a bit low”.
      In 2019, he backed The Sun’s End of The Line campaign to help raise awareness of the devastating dangers of cocaine and its impact on mental health.
      Whitley explained: “When you’re young and you’ve got a few quid in your pocket, it can be quite exciting and highly addictive.
      “But you go from being super confident and chatty to wanting to be on your own in complete isolation.”
      Jeff Whitley is part of the PFA’s Wellbeing department which provides support to more than 50,000 members.
      They offer a 24/7 helpline, a national network of counsellors, and a residential rehab at Sporting Chance Clinic.
      Fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are available as well with 12-step sponsored programme.
      The PFA Wellbeing team provide individual action plans for members on issues ranging from anxiety, depression, alcohol, drug use and gambling.
      They also go into all 92 clubs to assess players and educate Under-18s, U23s, first-team, women’s teams and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
      Any current and former PFA members can contact the Wellbeing team with emotional issues on its email address: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
      Whitley learnt from his own experiences with drug use.
      He shared: “I was in a dark place. I had no excuse not to take it. I didn’t have to go into training, so wouldn’t be drug tested, and I wanted to feel better.
      “When I took it, I could stay up longer, drink longer. But if you take enough the buzz eventually goes; the buzz ends up being paranoia.”
      He added: “The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtain-twitching: any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be.”
      Whitley has real, lived experience with addiction and drug use.
      In 2017, his brother Jack took his own life by taking a concoction of drugs including cocaine.
      “I know how difficult it is for family members to reach out and help,” Whitley explains.
      But Whitley turned his life around.
      While in rehab, he learnt the root of his issue lay with unspoken childhood trauma after having been orphaned at age 12.
      Read More on The Sun
      “These things have a huge impact on you,” he said. “You’re looking for father figures and, unfortunately, some of them are really bad role models, flashing the cash and selling drugs.”
      Where to go for help
      FRANK
      Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
      ADDACTION
      For help finding a service or to Instant chat
      Change, Grow, Live
      Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues.
      Dedicated help for people under 25.
      SANE
      Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
      Help4Addiction
      Help, support and advice for those dealing with addiction and their families
      Action on Addiction
      Rehab and community addiction treatment
      0300 330 0659
      Adfam
      Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
      0300 888 3853
      Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol

      23 Oct 1999: Joy for Manchester City scorer Jeff Whitley in the Nationwide Division One match against Blackburn Rovers at Maine Road in Manchester, EnglandCredit: Getty
      5 Aug 2000: Jeff Whitley of Manchester City in action during a pre-season friendly against Stockport CountyCredit: Getty
      Jeff Whitley prior to the Group Six World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Northern Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on September 8, 2004 in Cardiff, WalesCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      FIA president forced to release statement after slamming Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel over human rights stance

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      UNDER-FIRE FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on Twitter – just days after hitting out at drivers for speaking about human rights and mental health.Former rally driver Ben Sulayem was only appointed in December, and is overseeing his first Formula One season.
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on TwitterCredit: Rex
      Lewis Hamilton is one of the drivers that have spoken about social issuesCredit: AFP
      But he has already driven a wedge between the sport’s governing body and F1’s owner’s, Liberty Media.
      And his comments will also alarm drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
      The pair have spoken about social issues, such as human and LGBTQ+ rights.
      Meanwhile, Lando Norris, has addressed mental health issues and raised awareness.
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      Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving.
      “Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health.
      “Everybody has the right to think.
      “To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in [sic] something over the sport all the time.”
      The interview had sparked much anger across social media but he has now tried to clarify his comments.
      And he insisted he DOES support drivers trying to help “progress in society”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society.
      “That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate.
      “In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.”
      Hamilton and Ben Sulayem already have a shaky relationship over an on-going jewellery ban.
      The Brit even threatened to PULL OUT of the Miami Grand Prix after claiming he had a secret piercing he couldn’t remove.
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      Ben Sulayem has had a hardline stance this season following the sacking of Michael Masi last year.
      The former race director was axed following Hamilton’s controversial world title loss to Max Verstappen.
      He bypassd the rulebook to allow the Red Bull driver to overtake his Mercedes rival on the final lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      There was an investigation in February around the controversy, and the Australian was given the boot. More

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      in Motorsport

      FIA president forced to release statement after slamming Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen over human rights stance

      by

      UNDER-FIRE FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on Twitter – just days after hitting out at drivers for speaking about human rights and mental health.Ben Sulayem was only appointed in December.
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on TwitterCredit: Rex
      Lewis Hamilton is one of the drivers that have spoken about social issuesCredit: AFP
      But he has already driven a wedge between the sport’s governing body and F1’s owner’s, Liberty Media.
      And his comments will also alarm drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, who have spoken about social issues, and Lando Norris, who addressed mental health.
      Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving.
      “Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’WORST JOB EVER’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Silverstone F1 bosses sue contractors who relaid track for £8million
      “Everybody has the right to think.
      “To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in [sic] something over the sport all the time.”
      The interview had sparked much anger across social media but he has now tried to clarify his comments.
      And he insisted he DOES support drivers trying to help “progress in society”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society.
      “That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate.
      “In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.” More

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      in Boxing

      Ricky Hatton reveals he contemplated suicide and cried all day in mental health battle after Floyd Mayweather defeat

      by

      RICKY HATTON has revealed how he contemplated suicide and cried all day after his defeat to Floyd Mayweather.The Hitman, 43, is returning to the ring to face Marco Antonio Barrera in Manchester on July 2.
      Rickty Hatton has revealed all about his struggling with mental healthCredit: Getty
      The Hitman hit rock bottom after suffering defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2007Credit: Getty
      Hatton, pictured here with Tyson Fury, said he would cry and cryCredit: Refer to Caption
      The former light-welterweight and welterweight champion is one of Britain’s greatest pound for pound fighters.
      And he will face the 48-year-old Mexican in his hometown in an eight-round exhibition bout.
      However, back in his heyday, he travelled to Las Vegas to take on the undefeated Mayweather along with a huge army of travelling supporters.
      But Money produced a tenth-round stoppage in their 2007 bout that left Hatton devastated and eventually led to him suffering mental health problems.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE IN SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HATTON VS BARRERA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}What we know so far about veteran Hatton coming out of retirement
      Revealing all about his battles with booze and the mind following that setback, he told podcaster James English: “Sometimes I’d go weeks without seeing me mates, weeks without seeing me mates.
      “Something in my head, paranoia in the back of my head was saying ‘I hope they don’t think I’m getting too big for my boots, I hope they don’t think I’ve forgotten about them, what might have changed, I hope they don’t think I’ve changed.’
      “So I found myself nipping down to see them and, ultimately whereby my first defeat came against Floyd Mayweather, I felt like I’d let everyone down. Something wasn’t quite there, you know.”
      Two years later and Hatton returned to Vegas to face Manny Pacquiao in another bumper showdown – only to suffer a second painful loss.
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      Hatton continued: “I got the chance to fight Manny Pacquiao again for the pound for pound number one. So obviously when the Pacquiao fight came along that I got destroyed in two rounds in, then my confidence was down. My head was down. Ultimately, I had to retire then.
      “If I had taken my own life, because I used to come in here in this very house and sit on that couch and I’d be on my own, do you know what I mean?
      “People would say don’t go to the pub and have a drink – I don’t have to go to the pub to have a drink.
      “I’d come home from the gym, train me lads, tell a few jokes, crack a few smiles. On the surface, Rick’s alright, then I’d come in here and just cry. Cry all day, cry all day.
      “It’s pretty much the same routine every day and then sometimes I’d come in and get a knife out and just sit there with it by my wrist, just crying, cry and cry and cry, and be going ‘come on, come on’.”
      Fortunately for Hatton and his fans, the star is in a much better place these days and is a spokesperson for the Tackling Minds mental health organisation.
      Contact the Samaritans
      If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
      Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

      And Hatton says that his comeback fight was something that he is doing to help his own mental health.
      He said previously: “I made a comeback several years ago, and I think my best day as a fighter are behind me.
      “But when I got asked to do this exhibition bout, it was a very easy decision to make.
      “It’s been a tough time because of Covid, lockdown and mental health and – like a lot of others – I’ve lost family due to mental health in Covid.
      “I’m an ambassador for mental health and as a celebration of us coming out of Covid, they said would I like to make one more move about at the Manchester Arena – it was an easy decision for me to make and I said: ‘absolutely’.”
      Hatton lost in 10 rounds against MayweatherCredit: AFP – Getty
      His fight with Pacquiao was ended in the second roundCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Talking saved my life’ – Dominic Calvert-Lewin opens up on mental health struggles after injury-plagued year at Everton

      by

      EVERTON striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has opened up about his struggles with mental health following an injury-hit season.The 25-year-old England international told fans that “talking saved my life.”
      Calvert-Lewin has opened up about his mental health strugglesCredit: Reuters
      Calvert-Lewins was buzzing after Everton secured their Premier League safetyCredit: Instagram / @everton
      It follows a difficult campaign for the forward, who started just 15 Premier League games for the Toffees and scored five goals.
      A fractured toe earlier in the season kept him out for three months.
      He then suffered more fitness issues during Everton’s crucial run-in, but was able to play some part in clinching their Premier League safety with one game to spare.
      And Calvert-Lewin has now revealed the mental battle he has had to come through and the importance of talking about his feelings.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FEEL THE BURN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Everton ‘offer Tarkowski £90k-a-week contract as they leapfrog Aston Villa’
      Speaking on Instagram, he said: “First of all thank you to you fans for sticking by us this season and for continuing to inspire us right until the last day of the season.
      “The main goal became to stay in the Premier League and I don’t believe that would have happened without your unbelievable support.
      “On a personal note I have had to dig deep within myself at times this season and have endured some of the most difficult times of my career and my life to date. The love and support helped carry me through.
      “One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel.
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      “To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life.
      “It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you’ll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses.
      “Finishing the season on a high meant everything to me, enjoy the break toffee fans, you deserve it.
      “May the pressure continue to be a privilege 🦋💙.”
      Calvert-Lewin’s inspiring post was immediately met with a huge show of support from fans.
      One said: “Stay strong dom, we are all behind you,” while another added: “We love you dom”.
      The former Sheffield United player has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.
      Amid Everton’s struggles and with the World Cup around the corner, Calvert-Lewin may feel he needs to secure a move if he is to ensure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the finals in Qatar.
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      He has been heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal given the Gunners’ two recognised strikers – Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah – are both out of contract in the summer.
      Newcastle have also been mooted as potential suitors.
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      Long-serving Cambridge United groundsman has been going for 43 YEARS and beat Beast from East, earned gong from Queen

      by

      IAN DARLER was man of the match the last time Cambridge United hosted FA Cup opponents Luton.But that’s far from the biggest accolade that the Abbey Stadium groundsman has received in his 43 seasons at the club.
      Cambridge United groundsman Ian Darler with his British Empire MedalCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      In 2020, Darler was awarded the British Empire Medal for his long service to the U’s and for his charity work. 
      Beating the weather four years ago so that Cambridge’s League Two clash with Luton could go ahead was just another day at the office.
      Darler said: “It was the Beast from the East. 
      “I was here just before 4am. We put one floodlight on and using a rubber snow plough I’d made myself over the years, we cleared 200 tonnes of snow off the pitch before 7am.
      “But that was just the start of it because we had to get the stands clear and all the areas around, put salt down.
      “To hear the announcement, ‘Man of the match: Cambridge United groundsman Ian Darler and his staff’, was amazing.”
      But being told he had been honoured by the Queen was too much for Darler.
      He said: “When I got the phone call, I thought it was a wind-up. 
      “I did tell the chap, ‘Who the hell do you think you’re kidding?’ Because you just don’t expect it.”
      Ian Darler was just 19 when he took charge of the Abbey Stadium turf in 1979
      No-one at the club or in the wider community would argue that Darler didn’t deserve the gong.
      He was the youngest groundsman in the Football League when he took over at the Abbey Stadium in 1979 at the age of 19.
      Darler received his first transfer offer at his very first home game because the visiting Leicester board were so impressed with his pitch.
      And in 1987, Coventry joint boss John Sillett pronounced the Abbey turf better than the Wembley surface where his side had won the FA Cup months earlier.
      But Darler turned down a move to top-flight HIghfield Road and a number of others down the years.
      He said: “Cambridge gave me the opportunity and I thought I should remain loyal. 
      “And, forgive the pun, I don’t always believe the grass is greener on the other side.”
      Darler’s pitch has won multiple awards – but not from former Cambridge boss John BeckCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The main reason why the grass at the Abbey has (mostly) stayed green is Darler’s devotion.
      The multi-award-winning groundsman estimates that he has blagged materials and equipment worth a million pounds from suppliers during his tenure, as well as putting in about £30,000 of his own money.
      Legendary U’s boss John Beck did effectively force Darler to down tools at one point, telling him the pitch was too good for his team’s style of play.
      But Darler was soon back after complaints about the surface. He has a different take on claims in former Cambridge striker Steve Claridge’s autobiography that he let the grass grow longer in the corners, under orders from Beck, to hold up long balls into the channels.
      Darler said: “The pitch had been destroyed from them training on it and we were left with a diamond shape that was permanently waterlogged.
      “The only way they could play was with an inch of sand on it.
      “The only part of the pitch that HAD any grass was the corners!”
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      Watch entire Cambridge team copy Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration after stunning Newcastle in FA Cup
      Like all Cambridge fans, Darler enjoyed the club’s amazing win in the last round at Premier League Newcastle when their Geordie striker Joe Ironside grabbed the only goal.
      It reminded him of one of his favourite Abbey Stadium moments. In April 1984, a Newcastle team featuring Kevin Keegan, Peter Beardsley, Terry McDermott arrived needing a point to secure promotion back to the top flight.
      Darler said: “They were practically already celebrating when they got off the bus.
      “For us to win 1-0 at home – Kevin Smith took the penalty, who was a Geordie – to deny them that with the team they had then – incredible.”
      Darler has dozens of great stories and put the printable ones in his book “Life’s A Pitch”.
      They include how he became involved in charity work and why his current bid to raise funds for mental health service Shout is so close to his heart.
      Cambridge gave Darler a testimonial in 2004 and he donated some of the cash to East Anglian Children’s Hospices.
      That led to him establishing Cambridge Charity Fundraisers and generating tens of thousands of pounds for local causes through sportsmen’s dinners and fishing events.
      But in 2013, Darler had a serious accident at work that resulted in multiple surgeries and years of mental health problems. After contemplating suicide, he was diagnosed with depression and eventually with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
      Darler returned to work fully only in 2019 but his experiences have helped change attitudes within the club and beyond.
      He said: “We are now without doubt one of the best clubs in the country for talking about and dealing with mental health.”
      Net gains – Darler has completed a million-step challenge in aid of Shout 85258Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      This season Cambridge are supporting the Shout 85258 text message service by displaying it on their training kit.
      But Darler has gone further, completing a million-step challenge and raising £12,000 for the service.
      Darler, who lost a friend to suicide a year ago, said: “The money isn’t even the key thing. 
      “I wanted to get people talking and what has happened over the last three months has been life-changing. 
      “If I could prevent one other person going through what I went through and what my friend went through, that’s all I’m looking for.”
      But at 62 Darler is not looking for a new job, despite working days of 11 hours or more as he combines his head groundsman role with being matchday safety officer and stadium manager.
      He said: “I’ve just renegotiated my contract and  it could keep me here until I’m 70.
      “I love the job. I love most of the people in and around the game. 
      “I live it and breathe it. My wife says I spend more time on the pitch than I do with her. 
      “But that’s the job.” More