Preston have taken an unprecedented step by partnering up with crisis management platform MA-Change – which means an involvement with Brian O’Neil.
MA-Change have today announced that Preston are the first team to sign up to their platform which focuses on player welfare.
The press release highlights that players in the modern game don’t receive enough support for mental health, addiction, finances, legalities or public relations.
MA-Change claim to offer expert advice on all of those areas, offering key support in times of crisis for players.
This is a fascinating step for Preston, who will have 24/7 access to crisis services in a major move for a football club.
Mental health has to be a priority in modern times and it’s great to see North End taking steps to ensure the playing squad have all the facilities they need.
Such issues have cropped up around Preston before; playmaker Jamie Thomas took a total break from football due to depression, for instance.
In December we saw Izzy Brown take the time to help a Preston fan suffering with mental health problems and Declan Rudd has spoken about the importance of mental wellbeing in light of the global pandemic.
For Preston to now link up with a specialist crisis support service is great for the North End squad, hopefully resolving any problems in the future.
This agreement also means Preston are working with Brian O’Neil again, as seen in the above photo.
O’Neil serves as the director of sporting professionals at MA-Change, meaning he will be working closely with any Preston players who need the service.
O’Neil was a Preston fan favourite having joined the club back in 2003, making more than 100 league appearances for North End before retiring in 2006.
The Scot turned his hand to player representation but is now focusing on crisis support, landing North End as his first major agreement.
It’s great to see O’Neil working with Preston again, and hopefully his service can be of great use to North End players.