A DISPUTE over comments concerning mental health unfolded after Southend Manor FC announced the signing of a new goalkeeper.

The Essex Senior League club announced the signing of Luca Collins, the former Heybridge, Sudbury, Witham, and Hullbridge Sports shot-stopper, on Twitter yesterday.

However, the post announcing his arrival attracted comments from “an individual associated with Tilbury Football Club” taking aim at Mr Collins’ mental health.

Southend Manor Football Club has officially condemned the comments.

In a statement the club said: “We will be reaching out to Tilbury for an explanation for both the individuals comment and the clubs response via their own twitter account. 

“Everyone associated with Southend Manor Football Club, our coaches, our players, our staff and all of our fans fully support mental health and take mental health very seriously. 

“We want Southend Manor to be a safe place for everyone and we would like to remind you all that our messages are always open if you ever want to talk. No matter how big or small, someone will be here to talk to.”

Tilbury FC first team coach John Coventry tweeted: “The comments we have made, and subsequently received, are not healthy for anyone. I hope you can accept a genuine apology from us both, and wish you all, all the best for the season.

“We haven’t always got it right, sometimes mistakes happen, but we are always willing to apologise when wrong and try to learn from it in future. Mental health is something which has affected our family in the past, which only adds to how poor we have handled this situation.”

Tilbury FC added: “A club statement will follow later today at the conclusion of a management committee meeting.”