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I was posting on here the other day about how disinterested Fusitua had been this year and Space Monkey said he had been going through mental health issues.
I have been thinking about this a bit since.
It has got a lot of media attention lately.
Is this a new phenomenon? Or has it been going on for some time but hasn't been widely discussed?
I certainly wouldn't want to put the boot into a player with genuine issues but to what extent are players using this as an excuse for lack of effort.
Then I started to think maybe the modern game, and the large salaries associated with it, may have some bearing on this.
Most of our players go straight from school into a semi-professional career. They may not have worked in a full-time job. Then, generally within a short time, they are making more money than their contemporaries - often a lot more. But associated with that is having to stay competitive and justify a new contract.
I am not saying this is Fusitua's situation but his form has certainly slumped and I can't imagine many clubs paying big money for him on his current form.
I know the clubs are treating this seriously and are offering support as well as help with post-football careers.
Is this a new thing and how widespread is it?
I have been thinking about this a bit since.
It has got a lot of media attention lately.
Is this a new phenomenon? Or has it been going on for some time but hasn't been widely discussed?
I certainly wouldn't want to put the boot into a player with genuine issues but to what extent are players using this as an excuse for lack of effort.
Then I started to think maybe the modern game, and the large salaries associated with it, may have some bearing on this.
Most of our players go straight from school into a semi-professional career. They may not have worked in a full-time job. Then, generally within a short time, they are making more money than their contemporaries - often a lot more. But associated with that is having to stay competitive and justify a new contract.
I am not saying this is Fusitua's situation but his form has certainly slumped and I can't imagine many clubs paying big money for him on his current form.
I know the clubs are treating this seriously and are offering support as well as help with post-football careers.
Is this a new thing and how widespread is it?