KARL Robinson believes more action should be taken to assist mental health throughout football.

The Oxford United head coach has worked with psychotherapist Gary Bloom for just over a year.

Robinson, who employed people in similar roles when in charge at Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic, said: “I generally go for psychotherapists, because I think the best psychologists are the coaches.

“I believe mental health should be supported in a greater way. We speak a lot but we don’t do enough.

Also read: Oxford United’s unique psychotherapy project with Gary Bloom is winning hearts and minds

“Some players don’t buy into it, that’s their choice.

“I’m lucky, I had issues a long time ago so I get it.

“We take it seriously here and I know Dan (Harris) does in the academy.

“I want us to be leading the way in everything – sports medicine, sports science, psychological development, mental health support.

“Hopefully we can be seen as a place that people want to come, because they’re safe on the pitch and off it – and that allows them to perform to the best of their ability.”