Crues keeper O'Neill calls for establishment of players' body to offer support

Crusaders goalkeeper Sean O'Neill says more needs to be done to support Irish League players battling mental health problems.

The 31-year-old is a guest this week on our Football Show as we pay tribute to the late Jerry Thompson.

The former Carrick Rangers player passed away suddenly last week, sparking discussions within footballing circles about how personal issues are handled.

"If players are struggling, there has to be some sort of Players' Association, something within the clubs to help. I feel that players in the Irish League have been let down," said O'Neill.

"What happened to Jerry is obviously devastating, but what happens to his teammates who are struggling to cope with this?

"There's no mechanism there for them. I'm sure Carrick are doing their own thing to help, but there's nothing really here in the Irish League for that, and it's something that has to come to the fore."

"The issue of mental health in society these days is enormous, and it's sad. I hate this idea of not mixing politics with sport, because our politicians need to have a long hard look at themselves regarding things like this. It's such a big thing and it needs the support of everyone throughout Northern Ireland," said O'Neill.

"I would say if anyone is struggling through changing rooms in the Irish League, don't be afraid to speak out. We've seen it through bigger leagues in the world with people speaking out, and it's important to do so."

Also featuring as a guest on our show is the chairman of Carrick Rangers, Peter Clarke: "This is a tragedy, but out of the tragedy I've seen a lot of positives that we as a club and hopefully, the league as a community, can drive forward and improve.

"I think with support, education and awareness - maybe we wouldn't have been able to help Jerry, but maybe we can help others."