Clarke Carlisle in emotional mental health plea to football fans after battling demons

Clarke Carlisle in emotional mental health plea to football fans after battling demons Fans across the UK have been urged to support one another in the new season by former QPR, Leeds United, Watford and Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle, who previously attempted to take his own life Ex-Premier League ace Clarke Carlisle has urged fans to look out for each other as the new season approaches. The 46-year-old racked up over 400 professional appearances and earned three caps for the England under-21 national team. But during his playing career, and after he hung up his boots, the former defender suffered serious mental health challenges. Carlisle admitted he attempted to take his own life when he was hit by a lorry in December 2014. Carlisle is now Chair of Mind - the UK’s leading mental health charity - and is looking to challenge stigma and drive change across sport and society. Last weekend, Mind and five non-league clubs came together for a charity tournament in Northumberland - 'The Better Together Cup'. The two-day event was organised by QTS Data Centers and Blyth Spartans in the name of celebrating grassroots football and promoting mental health. QTS, who are building one of Europe's largest data centres in nearby Cambois, made a £20,000 donation to support the charity's work expanding mental health services across the region. Carlisle insists it's crucial to keep the mental health conversation going - and the football community can play an important role in making that happen. "Each generation has their own new and unique challenges," he said. "But football clubs offer such a perfect environment to bring people and communities together. Without doubt, unequivocally, we are better together. "Supporters come and watch football for their release. Any challenge or difficulty, this is an opportunity for people to get away from that and lose themselves, for 90 minutes at least. "And because of that, football clubs also offer a fertile stomping ground to engage with fans on a meaningful one-to-one level about their mental health. "There are still so many misconceptions. Just like our physical health, no one is immune from averse mental health. "These are issues that affect the brain and the body, the emotional and the psychological - everybody is susceptible. Although just because we are susceptible doesn't mean that it's inevitable. "We have to keep changing the narrative - especially the classic one around male identity - that you don't show signs of weakness." Before the World Cup, Newcastle star Dan Burn spoke openly about his own struggles with depression and anxiety. The 34-year-old sought out therapy during his early career and credits it with saving him from a "downward spiral". Burn, who played youth football at Blyth Spartans, continues to raise awareness in the North East. Carlisle has hailed the Three Lions ace for speaking out. "It's really positive to see people who are in the public eye, with a public profile, discussing openly their mental health issues because it does normalise that conversation," added Carlisle, who had stints at Queens Park Rangers, Leeds, Watford, and Burnley. "Having shared my experience, people have said to me: 'I've watched you play in the Premier League. I didn't think it could've been an issue for you.' "If you are experiencing something, you don't have to be like me or Dan Burn. You don't have to tell everybody - but it's imperative that you do tell somebody at the right time. "So, if you want it to be your business, excellent. But make it your business with the right support. Let's put all the dots on the page so any individual can control their own picture or solution." The Better Together Cup forms part of QTS's Better Together campaign, launched in 2025 to serve the communities around its Cambois data centre campus and Northumberland. Rita Patel Miller, Social Strategy Director at QTS, said: “Seeing clubs, fans and families fill Croft Park around such an important cause was heartwarming. We are proud to be a small part of this community.” Kevin Miles and his family moved to Blyth in 1967, so close to Croft Park that “you could see the turnstiles from our front gate”. Now the Chair of Blyth Spartans, Miles said: "The atmosphere across the weekend was electric, and the whole club felt it. To see Croft Park packed for a cause that matters so much to people here made everyone incredibly proud." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Shoppers can now upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £6 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package. [Image text:] QIS SIS QTS QTS BETTER DATE 18.07.2026 Tyneside and Northumberland Mind 20,000.00 PAY TOTHE CRDEROE Twenty Thousand 00/100 POUNDSE Mvo In memory of David Miles QTS Data Centres