Blair given time off

[podrover73]

DF has stated that Matty Blair has been given indefinite time away from the club to recover from the death of his brother

[RedJ]

Quite a blow in terms of the side but good to hear that he's being given time to grieve. Hopefully he's being given - or at least getting from somewhere - the support he needs, as it's coming to light in recent years the strain on the mental health of professional footballers..

[GazLaz]

I was amazed he didn’t have time off from when it happened. His performances were being affected. I know he will have wanted to play on but some decisions need taking out of people’s hands.

[dickos1]

I agree, but imagine telling him he couldn't play at the emirates, just after it happened.

It would've been terrible on him

[RoversAlias]

He was absolutely superb in that Arsenal game as well, although I agree many of his displays since haven't been of his usual standard and it's right that he's been given time off now. Some things are far more important than football.

[Dagenham Rover]

He was absolutely superb in that Arsenal game as well, although I agree many of his displays since haven't been of his usual standard and it's right that he's been given time off now. Some things are far more important than football.

They most certainly are!

[anne honemous]

If he needs some time off to focus on his mental health, which is presumably the case here given the circumstances of the past few months, then it's absolutely the correct decision.

It doesn't matter how long it takes as it's far more important than football and it's good to see that the club/manager has recognised this and is supporting him.

Good luck Matty, my heart goes out to you.

[roversdude]

Hope that Matty is getting the support he needs to get through this dark period
Be great to see him tearing down the wing again soon
Certainly good to see that this has been done openly and shows the change in society recently

[legendslounger]

glad hes been given the time off. hopefully he'll be able to grieve properly now

[RobTheRover]

I lost both my Mum and Dad in August, and I know I couldn't operate at work properly for weeks afterwards.  I know everyone's grief process is different but my concentration levels just fell through the floor.  Couldn't focus on anything important for more than a few minutes .  I'm glad I took some time away from work to figure it all out and deal with it.  Back to close to normal now, although I do have a wobble every now and then.

[donnyguy61]

Back with club and training again

[roversontheup]

I lost both my Mum and Dad in August, and I know I couldn't operate at work properly for weeks afterwards.  I know everyone's grief process is different but my concentration levels just fell through the floor.  Couldn't focus on anything important for more than a few minutes .  I'm glad I took some time away from work to figure it all out and deal with it.  Back to close to normal now, although I do have a wobble every now and then.

Very sorry to hear that Rob. It will take a long time to come to terms with that. You did the right thing in taking some personal time. Hope you are doing ok now.