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Kevin Cowley, a survivor from Pen 3 of the Leppings Lane end during the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, tells us his story.

Episode 40 Running, writing and taking the weight off.  Between 2015 and 2017, Kristian Walsh dropped almost 10 stone in weight. In the years prior, despite an impressive and exciting professional career, working as a professional sports journalist, behind closed doors, Kristian was struggling with his mental health. His weight was causing him significant issues with self esteem, leading to anxiety and depression.  As part of his effort to improve his physical, and mental health, Kristian raised over £2000 for the mental health charity MIND, by running his first ever 10k in 2016. He attributes a significant amount of his ability to overcome the difficulties in his life to the support he was given by the charity, and felt a strong desire to give something back.  In this episode, we talk football obsession, studying at Oxford, life as head of sports audience engagement, weight loss, and depression.  You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 41 Understanding grief, tackling racism, and signing for the Football Ramble.  Midway through 2020, Vithushan Ehantharaja (AKA Vish) announced he was signing for the Football Ramble, as part of a new 8 presenter lineup. The podcast, the biggest independent sports podcast in the UK, had lined up with the famous four of Luke (who we spoke to in May 2020), Marcus, Jim and Pete since its inception over a decade ago. It was the biggest adjustment the loyal listeners had heard to the successful show, and one that has allowed the show to develop its genre defining output even further. It is a credit to Vish, as well as Kate Mason, Jules Breach and Andy Brassell that their signings have somehow managed to make the best football podcast in the world, even better.  Outside of the ramble, Vish is a successful and well respected journalist who works for the Independent as their sports feature writer.  In this episode, we talk to Vish about his anxieties as a young man, his difficulties in dealing with grief, signing for the ramble, and tackling racism in sport. You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 42 Today's episode is with a man who needs no introduction, the one and only Pat Nevin.  Enjoy.  You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 43  A return to refereeing, after losing everything. In August of 2018, Premier League Bobby Madley suddenly quit his position as a match official for the PGMOL, stating a change in personal circumstances had caused his decision. In December of 2019, Bobby revealed the truth behind his sudden departure, whilst also announcing plans to return to refereeing.  In today's episode, Bobby talks us through the 10 years of commitment and dedication it took to become a Premier League and FIFA referee, his decision to step away, the depression and anxiety that followed, and his excitement about returning to the field.  If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 44  Being honest with yourself, and recovering from a mental breakdown. Jordan Cranston graduated from the Wolves academy in 2014. Despite spending almost his formative years playing in old gold, he departed without making a first team appearance. Since leaving Wolves, Jordan has turned out for Notts County, Lincoln City, Cheltenham Town, Morecambe, and currently holds the number three shirt for national league outfit, Solihull Moors.  During Mental Health Awareness Week in May of 2020, Jordan bravely spoke about the darkest period of his life, during which he fell into a painful battle with depression. Even in 2020, when more and more former footballers are opening up about difficulties they had during their career, Jordan's honesty, as a current player, is still somewhat unique.  We talk to Jordan about the anxiety during those early days at Wolves, homesickness, and his experiences of depression, all the while maintaining his career as a professional footballer.  If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 45   “For me to be happy, I need to be in the team.”   James Coppinger is now approaching the final months of his 22 year career. For any fan of a football league side, James has probably scored against your team, and it was likely to have been a belter. He has spent 17 seasons at Doncaster Rovers, amassing over 650 appearances, achieving promotion three times.    Reflecting on just shy of 800 matches as a professional footballer, James talks to us about the anxieties he felt as a young player, how working with behaviourist Terry Gormley turned his career around, his happiness at Doncaster Rovers, and what he plans to do following retirement.    If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828   You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads    If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk:   Samaritans  Call 116 132  https://www.samaritans.org/   Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41   Papyrus Website   CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58   https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/   MIND 0300 123 3393   https://www.mind.org.uk/   The Kaleidoscope Plus Group 0800 059 0123   https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/

During these episodes we will take a look back at examples of mental ill health in football from yesteryear.   Between 1925 and 1930, Hughie Gallacher scored 143 goals in 174 matches for Newcastle United, at a rate of 0.82 goals per game. He sits behind only Len White, Jackie Milburn and Alan Shearer in the all time scoring charts of the Magpies. All in all, Wee Hughie scored over 400 goals in his career, including 24 in just 20 matches for Scotland.  There is no other way of describing the feisty centre forward, than a true Newcastle, and football legend. However, Hughie's goals were not the only notable thing about him. His temperament, on and off the field, often landed him in trouble.  His life away from football was tumultuous, and sadly it ended in tragedy, when Hughie took his own life in June of 1957, aged just 54 years old. I am joined by Newcastle United historian Paul Joannou to take a look back at the life, and death, of Hughie Gallacher.  If you enjoyed this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/ The Kaleidoscope Plus Group 0800 059 0123 https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/

Episode 46 Crisis negotiation, and suicide prevention.  I'm sure you have an idea of what a crisis negotiator does. You'll have seen them in films, and tv shows, talking with hostage takers, and those on the brink of suicide. Well today's guest, Lance Burdett, was a crisis negotiator, in fact he was New Zealand's go to crisis negotiator.  Lance talks us through what he calls 'the long, dark walk', the moments immediately before he opens a dialogue with someone on the edge of a bridge, or the side of a building. We also find out more about the person behind the crisis, as Lance explains to us his own personal crisis negotiation, and suicidal ideations. This a fascinating interview, and one like nothing we've done before.  If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/ The Kaleidoscope Plus Group 0800 059 0123 https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/

Episode 47  Finding the confidence, and the courage to speak out.   Isla Buchanan was just 12 years old when her Mum suffered a devastating stroke. The incident changed the dynamics of her family, and shaped her subsequent teenage years. As Isla grew older her feelings of anxiety, and subsequent depression took hold, and she found herself feeling more and more isolated from her friends and family. Following in the footsteps of her Grandad, Isla took up refereeing, an unusual step you might think for a young woman. But Isla cites football as the most positive influence on her mental wellbeing, and believes it saved her life.  Today's interview is a moving story about tormented teenage years, battles with anxiety and loneliness, and how success with the whistle gave a young woman the confidence and courage to speak out.  If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/ The Kaleidoscope Plus Group 0800 059 0123 https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/

Episode 48  We don’t need to have the answers, in order to be willing to have the conversation. Mental Health First Aid England's objective is to have 1 in 10 people trained in mental health first aid skills. To date, their figures have them at 1 in 70. The pandemic has brought the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, and mental health in general, to the fore. In 2018, Simon Blake was hired as the CEO of MHFA England. Upon his appointment, MHFA stated: "Simon has dedicated his career to working with young people and has a long track record of championing difference and creating platforms for people’s voices to be heard." We talk to Simon about the role of MHFA England, the importance of talking and listening, as well as rights for the LGBT+ community, and the impact of the pandemic to the countries collective mental wellbeing. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - https://mhfaengland.org/ If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/ MIND 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/ The Kaleidoscope Plus Group 0800 059 0123 https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/

You're not fit to Referee! A study conducted by Dr. Tom Webb, a Senior Lecturer at University of Portsmouth, found that more than nine in 10 referees in England have been verbally abused, with 59.7% experiencing some form of abuse every two games. The research was collated in Dr. Webbs book, Referees, Match Officials & Abuse. Dr. Webb told BBC sport in November 2020, "Abuse is still a significant issue, probably the biggest in refereeing. Mental health within referees is intrinsically tied to abuse." Referee abuse is nothing new, but it has perhaps gained new found notoriety in recent weeks following the incident involving Darren Drysdale and Alan Judge. We wanted to take a look at why referee abuse occurs, what are the implications, and what can we do as fans to help improve the situation.  If you enjoy this episode, or any of our other episodes, please pop over to apple podcasts, and give us a rating and a review.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/man-marking/id1506661828 You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/