Last update on. From the section Football
Collins played 470 matches in a career that began at Hereford United in 2007.
Friends of Lee Collins, former Yeovil Town captain, have asked the Professional Footballers Association "to conduct an extensive review" of the current player welfare service.
Collins, who enjoyed a 14-year career in the professional world, died in March at 32.
Maheta Molango, the new chief executive of PFA, has received an open letter.
According to it, there is "a significant lack of player wellness, mental health, and post-retirement support" provided to union members.
According to the PFA, it is "committed" to improving education and support for wellbeing.
Collins' friends, colleagues, and others wrote to the PFA: "We urge to invest in that service to ensure that past, present, and future union members receive sufficient support off-the-field."
According to them, the uncertainty surrounding the industry in the last two years has resulted in an increase of mental health issues, anxiety, and depression. The "player care service" that exists today must be significantly improved to ensure that union members feel supported as they move forward.
They want Molango, who assumed his role in June, to conduct a review and fund wellbeing officer roles at clubs. Also, establish a "much better" after-care program for players at the conclusion of their playing careers.
The PFA responded by saying: "We have identified many football-specific areas that can adversely affect a player’s mental health.
"We are committed in improving education and well-being support. This includes evaluation of how football supports players.
"Our thoughts are with Lee's family, friends, and team-mates. We will continue to support all those who have been affected by Lee’s passing."
The PFA reached out to its 12,000 members during the coronavirus pandemic by sending them newsletters and offering advice on wellbeing.
Collins, a centre-back was a player who spent most of his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Port Vale before moving to Yeovil in 2019.
Collins died earlier this month after he was "struggling with injuries" and other personal problems, according to an inquest.
