COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal says World Mental Health Day is a great way to raise awareness of the issue - both in football and in everyday life.

The need for awareness of mental health issues within sport is greater than ever, with the EFL marking the event with their 'Goals Worth Talking About' campaign.

The campaign sees football fans at a number of EFL clubs across the country vote for their club’s most iconic league moment; each of which is set to be immortalised as street art in their respective cities.

Last year on World Mental Health Day, U's skipper Luke Prosser represented the club at a special event staged at King's Cross Station, where the EFL and Mind joined forces to tackle mental health and make sure no one suffers alone.

McGreal said: “Mental health is more at the forefront now in any type of sport and walk of life, not just football.

“Today is about raising the awareness of it.

“I saw Mr (Martin) Ling at Leyton Orient talking about it yesterday and how he had to deal with it and guys like him coming out and raising the awareness in that way can only help.

“We try and do things here but the message I try and put across is open yourself out a little bit more and don’t be scared to show your emotions or cry in front of people.

“In any type of sport or everyday life, there’s a lot that’s built up within.

"You can hear the awareness coming to the fore a bit more – today will be a fantastic day for everyone in that.