Wales

Alan Hansen: 'Football culture too resilient'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 28 November 2011

Alan Hansen thinks that there is "no support network" for "troubled" professionals within football following the apparant suicide of Gary Speed.

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen believes that football will move on far too quickly from Gary Speed's shocking death.

The 42-year-old was found hanged at his home in Cheshire yesterday morning, prompting the football world to pay tribute to the late Wales international manager.

While many will mourn the ex-Newcastle United's apparent suicide over the coming days, Hansen believes that there is not enough support for professionals dealing with depression.

"In the 21st century, football mirrors life in that it moves on so quickly," Hansen wrote in The Telegraph. "It is a sad fact that while Gary's family and friends will continue to be affected by his death for the rest of their lives, football will continue as it always has.

"But the culture of football is as it is. The resilience is there and I would suggest that it is not a good thing, yet how can it change? At 42 and with a wife and two young children, the futility and senselessness of Gary Speed's death is undeniable, but the game will continue because, unfortunately, that is how it is.

"Football is a tough sport and there really is no support network for those who are troubled or in need of help. The minute you walk out of any club, you are gone forever."

The inquest into the death of the Leeds United legend is expected to be opened in the next 24 hours.