CLARKE Carlisle, the former Clarets skipper, has been named as a new ambassador for leading mental health charity Mind.

The retired defender revealed, in a BBC3 series last year, how he had made an attempt on his own life in 2001.

He was playing for Queens Park Rangers and was sidelined with a serious injury, when he hit rock bottom.

Now the 34-year-old has spoken out as the charity publishes a new report ‘Performance Matters: Mental Health in Elite Sport’.

Following the deaths of former Wales manager Gary Speed and rugby league international Terry Newton, Clarke wants a pan-sport mental health network to be created.

The Professional Footballers Association, of which Clarke was chairman, has led efforts in football and rugby league adopted the State of Mind campaign to support current and ex-players.

Clarke said: “There is a great appetite to address mental health issues within sport and things are improving, but the support for athletes is nowhere near adequate.”

“I believe football, and sport in general, can lead the way and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lend a helping hand by supporting Mind, a charity very close to my heart.”