Morecambe defender lifts the lid on his depression battle

Morecambe defender Jordan Cranston has thanked the club for their support after opening up on his battle with depression.
Morecambe defender Jordan CranstonMorecambe defender Jordan Cranston
Morecambe defender Jordan Cranston

The full-back is hoping to raise awareness of mental health issues by cycling to five Premier League and EFL grounds in the West Midlands.

Having previously made it to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Walsall and West Bromwich Albion, the 27-year-old is set to complete the challenge by reaching Aston Villa and Birmingham City on Tuesday.

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Cranston lives in Lancaster during the football season, away from his family, and acknowledged the difficulties that presents.

He told Gloucestershire Live: “I feel it’s time to mention what I went through.

“This challenge has been fun to help keep my mind occupied during lockdown.

“But really I started it during Mental Health Awareness Week and it was my way of speaking out.

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“Moving away from my family was tough and during the season I rarely get the chance to go home.

“Sometimes I would just get back from training and go straight into my bedroom.

“I was in and out of the team, having problems at home and I was sent off against Port Vale in October, so I was having a hard time.

“I remember telling my manager at the time, Jim Bentley, and my family that I was on anti-depressants and I had to come to terms with having depression.

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“I’ve slowly improved over the last few months and just being back in the team helped my confidence come back to me.

“I can’t thank the club enough for the support they’ve given me and I am doing fine now.

“My message to anyone struggling, obviously not just in football, is to not be afraid to speak up and speak out because you’re never on your own.”