Dean Windass attempted suicide.

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Dean Windass has revealed that he attempted suicide after battling depression after retiring from playing.

Dean Windass has admitted he recently attempted suicide after battling with depression following the end of his playing career.

Windass, who fired hometown club Hull into the Premier League with a stunning winner in the 2008 play-off final, ended his playing days last year at the age of 42.

He has also worked as a television pundit but the well-travelled striker has revealed to The People the extent of his problems.
Suicide bid: Former Hull star Dean Windass has revealed the harrowing extent of his depression

Suicide bid: Former Hull star Dean Windass has revealed the harrowing extent of his depression

He told the newspaper: 'I have cried every day for the last two years since retiring.

'People outside football think we have it all. But I was in a hole that I honestly didn't know how to get out of.

'Just over a week ago I hit rock-bottom and decided to end it all.
Plea: Windass feels the Professional Footballers Association must do more to help players through depression

Plea: Windass feels the Professional Footballers Association must do more to help players through depression

'I first took an overdose and when that didn't work tried to hang myself. I felt so alone and believed I had nothing to live for.

'I need to sort myself out which is why I'm speaking out now.'

He added: 'People have this image of me as this big strong man who can take anything life throws at him. But I'm not ashamed to say I wanted to end it after a string of setbacks.'
Grief: Windass has called on the PFA to help footballers in retirement

Grief: Windass has called on the PFA to help footballers in retirement

'I knew I'd been a fool but I couldn't shake off the depression at feeling what a failure I'd become.'

Windass, whose previous teams include Aberdeen, Bradford, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, called on the Professional Footballers' Association to do everything in their power to help people with similar problems in the future

'We're not the brightest but you play football all your life,' he said.
Once it's gone: Dean Windass admitted he struggled to cope with football

Once it's gone: Dean Windass admitted he struggled to cope with football

'There are hundreds of footballers in the same boat (after retirement). There is nothing to get up for in the morning.

'The Professional Footballers' Association or the governing body need to help us.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2086892/Dean-Windass-attempted-suicide.html#ixzz1jWdjEj4I

mike65

Many players do seem to have difficulty dealing with the absence of football and the dynamic of being part of a team of like-minded people who work to achieve the same goal, do clubs have a step down programme I wonder. It might sound strange but I'd say retiring from the game is a bit like being released from a long term prison sentence. Suddenly its all change and new people (really the lack of old faces).

Mars Bar

It's so important to have something else to work for after retiring from football.

Michael Owen has his "retirement" plan in place to keep himself occupied after football. He makes good points:
*Newest tweet first, start from bottom up!*

I'm all set for when I hang up my boots but despite what some of you say, I've got a few years and a stack of goals left in me yet!!!
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply

themichaelowen michael owen
People think you are taking your eye off the ball but it's not true. Just feel its important to plan ahead as its a short career.
1 hour ago

themichaelowen michael owen
I've spent the last 6 years planning for life after football doing tv work, coaching badges, setting up a horse training business etc.
1 hour ago

themichaelowen michael owen
Credit to Dean Windass for being so open about his problems. Hopefully something can be set up to help ex players who suffer like this.

ImpossibleDuck

This is something that hadn't even occurred to me until I read it this morning. It was a pretty powerful article I read and I couldn't help but think that this being so soon after Gary Speed taking his own life that something might be introduced in the near-ish future to offer more support to both players who are playing in the minute and past players.

Hopefully, Windass being so open will encourage more players to do so as I'm sure there are others in his situation, and will bring forward a new era in support for players. He's a brave man to open up to that extent. Fair play Dean.

quarryman

Smart guy that Michael Owen. Always seems like one of the most grounded footballers.