Steve Harper: Sunderland move helped me from slipping into a dark hole of depression
Daily MailSteve Harper could feel depression creeping in as the playing offers dried up, but the goalkeeper's controversial move to Sunderland has helped fill the 'gaping chasm' in his life. Former Newcastle stalwart Steve Harper believes his move to Sunderland saved him from depression The 40-year-old had been without a club since leaving Hull City at the end of last season Harper was disappointed that the Magpies did not offer him a role of some kind - 'I've got a PhD in Newcastle United' - after leaving Hull in the summer, when talk of a move to Tottenham or QPR came to nothing and left him feeling low. 'That experience undoubtedly helped me, because I could feel myself slipping back into that dark hole, where life feels as though it is closing in on you. Harper has urged the PFA to do more to help players like him in the twilight of his career 'I said: "You do a lot of fantastic work for players when they are playing, but too many people of my age, or a year or two older, are either getting divorced, going bankrupt or struggling with depression."
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