The PFA have recruited a team of former players who have overcome mental health issues and addiction to tackle similar problems afflicting the modern game.
Five former professionals are among a group of 13 qualified counsellors set up as part of a network launched last month to combat the dangers facing players that were brought to the nation's attention by the Gary Speed tragedy.
Concern: PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor Former Brighton winger Michael Bennett has been appointed head of player welfare at the PFA and his team include West Ham psychologist and ex-Huddersfield midfielder Lee Richardson, former Bristol City defender Andy Jordan, ex-Rochdale striker Andy Milner and former Coventry defender Sam Shilton.
The PFA will work closely with the Sporting Chance Clinic and are also likely to draw on the expertise of Darren Eadie, the former Norwich forward who suffered from depression and has now set up a national helpline, and Vincent Pericard, who since retiring has set up a company aimed at helping foreign players avoid depression and loneliness by adapting to life in England.
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