Stoke manager Tony Pulis has paid his tribute to countryman Gary Speed following the Wales manager's death on Sunday.
The Potters will join the football world in honouring the 42-year-old with a minute's silence at the Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday.
Pulis said: "There's been a lot of tributes to Gary, and rightly so, he was a smashing person. First and foremost a great, great footballer."
Speed's death has brought the issue of depression in football into the limelight, and Peter Kay, the chief executive of the Sporting Chance clinic, revealed more than 10 professional footballers have been in touch since Sunday when Speed was found hanged at his home.
Pulis can understand how mental health issues could be a problem for managers especially and backed the Professional Footballers' Association to provide the right support.
Stoke defender Matthew Upson does not believe football has a particular problem but accepts it is something that should not be overlooked.
He said: "People would assume footballers wouldn't (have depression) because it's such a great job and a great lifestyle. We're very fortunate to do what we do. But that doesn't mean you still can't have your problems, and it's important to remember that."
/football on Youtube brings you the latest football news, transfer rumours and footballing gossip from the English Premier League and European Champions League.
"premier league news" Football "Premier League" Stoke "Stoke City F.C." "Tony Pulis" "Gary Speed" Matthew Upson
The Potters will join the football world in honouring the 42-year-old with a minute's silence at the Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday.
Pulis said: "There's been a lot of tributes to Gary, and rightly so, he was a smashing person. First and foremost a great, great footballer."
Speed's death has brought the issue of depression in football into the limelight, and Peter Kay, the chief executive of the Sporting Chance clinic, revealed more than 10 professional footballers have been in touch since Sunday when Speed was found hanged at his home.
Pulis can understand how mental health issues could be a problem for managers especially and backed the Professional Footballers' Association to provide the right support.
Stoke defender Matthew Upson does not believe football has a particular problem but accepts it is something that should not be overlooked.
He said: "People would assume footballers wouldn't (have depression) because it's such a great job and a great lifestyle. We're very fortunate to do what we do. But that doesn't mean you still can't have your problems, and it's important to remember that."
/football on Youtube brings you the latest football news, transfer rumours and footballing gossip from the English Premier League and European Champions League.
"premier league news" Football "Premier League" Stoke "Stoke City F.C." "Tony Pulis" "Gary Speed" Matthew Upson
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