Craig King Opens Up About His Mental Health Battles

A couple of text message exchanges later, and it looked like we were all set. He knew why I had asked his manager, Oxford City’s Mark Jones, for his number and didn’t mind one bit. It looked like we were ready to tell his story.

The day before we were going to speak, the standard time check message was sent. The usual when-can-you-talk disguised as a reminder that we were supposed to. Nobody minds a nudge now and again.

My message wasn’t returned.

It’s usually a journalist’s job to chase until they get what they need, we’re an irritating lifeform at times. This, though, was a different story and space was needed.

King, 21, decided to give football another try in December after walking out on the pro game in the summer. Luton Town’s highly-rated goalkeeper just wasn’t dealing with his mental issues.

He still isn’t completely, but when he did get back in touch on Tuesday out of the blue he had something to say.

As brave and open as they come, King admits he’s still not out of troubled waters. But this time he is determined to not let it beat him, and wants people to know and understand why.

Crucially, he also wants football to change.

“It’s still hard, mentally,” said the Oxford keeper, now five games into his return and enjoying life in the National League South. “It’s not just all fine now because I am not at a club the size of Luton Town. It’s game-by-game, training session-by-training session.

“The last few weeks, the same old feelings have returned. It’s less pressurised here but that doesn’t mean it’s all alright. It wasn’t just about the crowds.

“But I have made a decision and I’m going to tackle it head on. I’m not planning on taking another break from football, and I’m not going to hide away. I’m trying to enjoy it again. I’m trying - you have your ups and your downs but ultimately you can’t think too far ahead.

“Everyone at Oxford have made me so welcome, it’s a great place to get back into it.”

He’s found a person who he has placed his trust in. Just like having the correct manager to stick an arm around a shoulder, for anyone suffering with mental health issues the support network must be strong.

“I’ve been doing a lot with Alex, and if you take therapy at any stage you will know what it means to find the right person,” King said. “The best thing about him is that he specialises in helping footballers with their state of mind.

“He has been incredible. We’ve had many, many hours on Skype - the sessions are constant! It’s been a massive weight off my shoulders. It’s steps back while still taking steps forward.

“It’s mainly, though, about getting out of the confined spaces inside your head. It’s taken a really positive direction.”

Although still suffering, he’s making strides, not just small steps.

“I was in a dark place. I wasn’t happy, and the pressure being put on me - including by myself - made me ill,” King adds. “It was mounting and it was 100 per cent the right decision to leave the game. I got a lot of support and I don’t regret what I did.

“The biggest problem I find is that people see footballers needing to be in the right physical state much more than the right mental state. That needs to change. Every club has a duty to make sure their players aren’t suffering from injuries as well as not suffering from any psychological problems.

“The world seems to have moved on so much but football I think has a long, long way to go. That’s just my opinion.

“We need to take a step back and look closer to see if anyone is struggling in silence. If they are, be there. I hope by speaking about the subject maybe it may just stick in people’s minds a little bit.”