Neil Lennon last night called for Scottish football to look after each other and support those needing help in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
The Celtic manager is aware of the pressures of strains which football clubs are facing in the midst of the global pandemic.
Lennon also knows that individuals will have worries and fears about their personal situations due to sport shutting down.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged kindness as she spoke of the uncertainty and anxiety the past few weeks has caused with many people feeling anxious about the spread of the virus and their economic situation.
Record Sport revealed this week that dozens of concerned footballers have contacted Stirling-based charity Back Onside with cries for help and they are currently working with 83 players from clubs across the SPFL.
Lennon has been a huge source of inspiration in the past by opening up on his own issues with depression and backing mental health projects.
When asked if it was important that people in society looked out for each other and kept an eye on people in these difficult times, Lennon said: “100 per cent. The one good thing from the ordeal we are going through is that people will be closer to each other again and communities will be bonding again with each other.
“This isn’t me getting on a high horse or anything, but you see the good in people in very difficult circumstances.
“I never went through a war, but people are describing it as being back to a war-time situation and people are conversing.
“There’s half-a-million volunteers from the NHS to help. I think that’s an amazing response and it’s bringing out the good in people.”
Lennon believes anyone not feeling themselves should try and speak up and continued: “Yes. Just let people know as soon as possible. Mentally, it will be difficult for them.
“Not, of course, in comparison to the people who are suffering with this virus.”
Footballers have been taken out of their normal training routines and daily lives with colleagues and Lennon added: “There will be pent-up energy living without their structured and routined life.
“They haven’t had time to plan for this or get their heads around it, so, basically, they have to treat it is a holiday.
“Even though they can’t travel or go anywhere, they need to do that because when we go back, I think it will be a prolonged period of football after that.”
Lennon says he’s keeping in close contact with his own stars through the lay-off period and said: “Our fitness team has given them individual programmes. My worry with them is they’ll be like caged animals at the minute.
“They are used to a regimented way of life and a great life and a healthy life.
“I’m just worried not just about their physical wellbeing, but their mental wellbeing as well. A lot of them will be very frustrated with pent-up energy and you can only do so much when training at home. It’s trying to make the best of a very bad situation.”
