Mental health issues should be talked through "with the ones we love,” according to former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend.

The former Chelsea player turned pundit has teamed up with Three Ireland for their #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign which aims to encourage fans to share mental struggles with one another.

Research by Three Ireland found 56% of people have experienced a mental health issue in the past and 26% haven’t shared their struggles with anyone due to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

On The Hard Shoulder today, Mr Townsend said he was often lonely during his playing days.

“There are lonely periods; not everything always goes so well and not everything goes to plan,” he said.

“Like everybody in life, things come along and can just knock you off balance a little bit.

“It can be a tough business when you’re living your life very much in the public eye and results aren’t going well, the team is struggling, your own form might not be good – that can be lonely.”

Football

The two-time League Cup winner with Aston Villa said most footballers struggle mentally.

“There are very few players out there playing top-flight football who haven’t experienced tough times mentally,” said Mr Townsend.

“There is an image of the team around you, protecting you, sticking together, that’s what comes out of the dressing room  - but sometimes when you come home it’s not that straightforward.

“I like many others have had moments when it hasn’t been easy to deal with.”

Andy Townsend in action for the Republic of Ireland, June 1996. Image: Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Townsend said it was a different time.

“Back in the day you had the mirror, that was pretty much what you had to talk to about issues you had,” he said.

“For me, I married at a young age and my wife has always been there for me so I had a support group around me - but there was nothing coming back from any club I played for.

“Every manager was always receptive to listening but you didn’t feel like you wanted to show that, perhaps, there was a slight weakness there.

“It wasn’t something you were encouraged to get off your chest and try and talk about.”

Changing times

The Italia 90 star said things have changed for the better in recent years.

“It’s a different society now and for the good people are starting to speak about this sort of stuff with the people we love and trust to get on the right road to get better,” he said.

“True friends, the people you can count on one hand, they’re the ones when you have a problem or two, you know you can speak to.

“They can guide you, help you, point you in the direction of where there is professional help if you need it.”

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Main image: Former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo