Spurs and other clubs criticised after Josh Lyons’ death.
Tottenham have come under criticism following the suicide of former youth player Josh Lyons.
Lyons, 26, died after being hit by a train near Ifield, West Sussex, on 26 March – ten years after failing to earn a professional contract at Spurs.
The striker suffered years of depression after leaving the North London club and, following failed stints at Fulham and Crawley Town, underwent therapy for four years after expressing suicidal thoughts.
The assistant deputy coroner for West Sussex, Dr Karen Henderson, did not mention Spurs by name at the inquest but said ‘a lack of support in football’ contributed to his suicide.
“It was that pivotal point that crushed a young man’s life and all the dreams that go with it,” Henderson said.
“That one moment I find was the single most important factor that led to the events that ended on the train tracks.
“It is very difficult to build up the hopes of a young man only then to have them dashed at a young age. It is very cruel. I find there was an absence and lack of support in football.”
Lyons is said to have told his family that he was going for a jog on the day that he ended his life.
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