Former Celtic manager praised for 'speaking out' as Caledonian Braves owner opens up on alcohol and mental health battle

Caledonian Braves owner Chris Ewing says people like former Celtic boss Neil Lennon speaking about mental health issues can only help others do the same.

Ewing has suffered with bouts of depression and turned to alcohol after a career as a footballer failed to blossom.

He has now joined FC United to help in their cause to use mental health as a vehicle to promote positive awareness around the topic.

United to Prevent Suicide is a unifying identity for Scotland’s social movement for change with a range or aims, including improving knowledge and skills in suicide prevention with the development of new learning resources.

The Braves chairman - who has dealt with loss due to suicide - said in his announcement of joining FC United: "Anyone who has had experience of suicide in their lives will have had that ‘did I miss something?’ moment.

"You never really know what is going on in someone else’s head. All you can do is be there for them and encourage them to talk. It’s so important to destigmatise the subject. That’s why I was keen to be part of FC United.

"I know from personal experience that sharing is the most important step you can take in starting to climb out of that dark hole. If you’re reading this and are in that place, please let people know that you need a bit of help."

People like former Celtic and Hibs boss Lennon have spoken out in their battles with depression, and now Ewing has revealed his.

Braves currently play in the Lowland League and Ewing has battled personal problems to get the Lanarkshire side to Scotland's fifth tier.

After his own playing career fell through, things went from bad to worse for the Braves owner. It was a tough time and awareness from people like Lennon and Hull City hero Dean Windass