Leeds offer O'Brien a second chance

Gordon Tynan
Tuesday 31 January 2012 20:00 EST
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The Leeds defender Andy O'Brien will receive the club's full support after receiving treatment for depression. The 32-year-old refused to play in Leeds' 2-1 win at Burnley in November, leading manager Simon Grayson to say O'Brien had no future at Elland Road. He has not played since.

But following an internal inquiry and O'Brien receiving treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic, set up by Tony Adams, the club has urged fans to give the former Newcastle and Bolton player their full support.

A club statement read: "The club brought disciplinary action against the player following his refusal to play against Burnley. It was announced at that time that the player's future would be determined after a full investigation. The investigation has led to a fuller understanding of the issues that the player has faced since the start of the season.He is now ready to recommence training. We were exceptionally disappointed when Andy refused to play and felt let down. It is now apparent he was not in a right state of mind to make such decisions.

"We believe he deserves a second chance and we will do everything we can to assist him. The club would appeal to fans to support the player on his road back to first-team action."

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