'I'm not ashamed' - Ellison on mental health and playing at 47

What the report says

Kevin Ellison, a 47-year-old striker with a 29-year career across 18 clubs, has spoken publicly about his mental health journey while still playing part-time football for Cheshire side Vauxhall Motors. BBC Sport reports that Ellison, who recently reached 1,000 senior appearances, says he remains motivated to keep playing and could become one of the oldest players to appear in the FA Cup if selected against Thackley in the preliminary round.

Ellison’s story includes a brief and memorable spell in the Premier League with Leicester City, where his only top-flight outing came against Manchester United in 2001. He grew up in Anfield, was released by Liverpool as a teenager, and later combined non-league football with work on building sites and furniture deliveries before earning a move to Leicester. Over time, he went on to play in all of the top eight tiers of English football and build a long career that included promotion success and several Wembley appearances.

The interview also focuses on the darker periods in his life. Ellison says depression, family problems, grief and uncertainty over contracts affected him at different stages, and that he once struggled with dangerous thoughts while driving. He says speaking to others and getting counselling helped him recover. His message to others is direct: do not feel ashamed, and seek support from family, friends or professionals.

BBC Sport’s report also places his comments in a broader context of mental health awareness in football, noting that Ellison has previously taken part in an FA campaign encouraging fans to look after their wellbeing.