Footballers are feeling the strain of third lockdown, says Flackwell Heath boss Richardson

Flackwell boss Marcus Richardson has said that players of all ages need the outlet of football on a regular basis to help them with their mental health through what is a very difficult period.

The Flackwell boss believes many footballers will be feeling the strain of the pandemic and national lockdown and has called on the Government and football leagues to consider this when implement or relaxing restrictions. He fears that too many players will be cooped up at home without the release that regular football and exercise gives them.

“They’ll want to do something else,” he said. “If they’re not working, they could be in their houses 24/7, and even if you are working, you need that release at the end of the week with the match.

“I just feel like not enough thought has been given to this.

“This is going to be putting a big strain on players’ mental health. Not just the young players, but players of all ages.

“It will be difficult to know why they’re cancelling this league when nothing was put in place.”