A Kent football manager whose player took his own life is urging men to talk about their problems.

Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh was managing non-league Rushden & Diamonds when Dale Roberts killed himself.

The goalkeeper’s body was discovered just hours before he was due to play an FA Trophy tie.

An inquest heard how media speculation about his fiancée having an affair with one of his teammates contributed to the death.

A coroner ruled the 24-year-old, who also played for the semi-professional national team England C, had become withdrawn following an injury and begun taking anti-depressants, which left him lacking motivation.

Speaking about the death for the first time the Gills boss said: “You don’t realise how tragic something like this is until you’re involved in the situation.

“Dale was always generous and kind, he wasn’t over-loud, but wasn’t one to shy away from dressing room pranks.

“He was the ultimate professional and would always be the first on the pitch,” added Mr Edinburgh.

The 46-year-old, a regular at full back for Spurs and Portsmouth during a distinguished playing career, said he had noticed a change in Dale’s attitude when he managed him at the Northamptonshire club back in 2010.

“He wasn’t someone who would normally talk about how he felt and looking back on it, when he stopped that was probably a warning sign.

“There were signs of him withdrawing from the group and becoming more tired, maybe it was masking the whole situation.

“He had spoken to the team doctor and was offered the opportunity of counselling, but felt like he didn’t need help and thought he’d pull through.”

"It isn't a weakness to talk about your problems" - Justin Edinburgh

Mr Edinburgh said the experience made him realise that no man should be afraid to ask for help.

“It isn’t a weakness to talk about your problems,” he added.

“Talking about things could have saved Dale’s life.

"We all try and sweep it under the carpet but the issue doesn’t go away and it’s easier to deal with if you speak to someone.”

Hear an extended interview with Justin Edinburgh on kmfm tonight at 10pm.

Release The Pressure

A countywide initiative to reduce the number of suicides in men is now up and running.

The campaign Release the Pressure was launched after a large rise in the number of deaths over recent years.Suicide is the leading killer of men under 45 in Kent.

Figures show that during 2014 there were 163 suicides in the county of which 128 were male.

If you know someone who’s feeling the pressure, get them to call 0800 107 0160 or visit www.releasethepressure.uk

Support is free and confidential, provided by an independent charity and funded by Kent County Council.