Joey Barton admits he considered jumping out of window as he opens up on mental health struggles

Former footballer Joey Barton has revealed his struggles with mental health and depression once caused him to consider ending his life my jumping out of a window.

The manager of League One club Bristol Rovers was speaking to Men’s Health UK when he made the revelation of the incident, which he said occurred following a pre-season friendly for his side.

The 39-year-old explained how he became increasingly panicked following the match, with his wife of three years, fashion designer Georgia McNeil, and their two children – Cassius and Pieta – in Wales.

‘We’ve had a pre-season friendly [for Bristol Rovers]…My missus is away with the kids in Wales and I’m meant to be joining them the next day. I head home and get back at midnight,’ he said.

‘I got into gardening in lockdown. And I know I’m not going to sleep, so I decide to get my mining lamp and go out in the garden. It’s my pride and joy, my garden…I know. 

‘I remember thinking that if the neighbours see me they’re going to think I’m a crackpot. 

‘Then I’m thinking they might think it’s a burglar and they’ll call the police – and they’re the last people I want coming round. But I know I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.’

Barton was sentenced to six months in prison for common assault and affray during an incident in Liverpool City Centre in 2008.

Barton said the incident occurred when wife Georgia McNeil and their children were away from him in Wales

He was convicted of assault and served 77 days at HM Prison Manchester, but admitted the panic he felt in this recent incident was much greater than during his time behind bars.

‘I’ve been in some tough spots before, such as Strangeways [HM Prison Manchester], but I’d never felt like this,’ he continued.

‘Then I remember looking at the window and thinking, ”Would the fall kill me if I jumped out?” But I decided that it wouldn’t. Then I’m just standing there, looking at myself in the mirror and I know things aren’t right.’

Asked if he talked to someone, he said: ‘I did. The panic was telling me to tell someone. I know myself and I know it’s dangerous if I just internalise everything. I rang people close to me, family, and talked them through what happened. 

The incident he said occurred on the night following a pre-season friendly for his side Bristol Rovers

Barton revealed talking to his family and then falling asleep helped the panic to pass

‘I said, ”There’s no need to come, I just needed to tell you.” I made a cup of tea and I turned on the telly. I think it was BBC World News. 

‘Then I must’ve fallen asleep because when I woke up, the TV was still on and the panic was gone. It went as quickly as it came. 

‘So I went to Wales to join the family. The whole thing really scared me. And if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. It’s why it’s important to be honest and get it all out in the open.’

Barton made 269 Premier League appearances for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley during his playing career. He was also capped once for England in February 2007.

The 39-year-old became manager of League One side Fleetwood Town in 2018 before taking over League Two club Bristol Rovers last year.

Joey Barton was speaking to Men’s Health UK ‘Talking Heads’ columnist, Alastair Campbell, in the September issue of the magazine, on sale from 17th August

Barton made 269 Premier League appearances with stints at four clubs including Newcastle 

He became manager of League One side Fleetwood Town in 2018 before moving to Bristol Rovers