Wisten’s father has been speaking at an inquest into his death
The father of a former Manchester City youngster who died by suicide has told an inquest that his son felt let down by the club following his release.
Jeremy Wisten was found hanged in his sister’s bedroom at his home in Wythenshawe, Manchester, in October 2020.
The 18-year-old had been part of City’s youth set-up before he was released after suffering a knee injury.
In January 2018, Wisten suffered ligament damage in his left knee and was told in December that year that his contract would not be renewed when it expired in June 2019.
Wisten’s father, Manila, has now claimed that City did not provide him with the help that he needed in order to continue his playing career.
“He personally did not believe he was receiving the right support from Manchester City to find a new club,” he told an inquest into his son’s death.
Manila also stated that City had informed his son that they would arrange matches so that other clubs could come and watch him play, yet – despite securing trials with Bolton Wanderers and Cardiff City – Wisten was so frustrated with City’s support that he asked his family to get him an agent.
“It should have been that City did more,” said Manila. “I know they did more for others.
“The intermediary (agent) went ahead to identify clubs, not through City but literally a parallel process.”
City’s academy director, Jason Wilcox, told the hearing that the club were proud of the “exit process” and care they provided for the player’s mental health.
“My understanding is that Jeremy was offered nine trials (at other clubs),” said Wilcox.
Wilcox, a former Blackburn Rovers midfielder, expressed his condolences on behalf of City at the inquest – also adding that City held an interim review into the process of releasing players.
He added: “Since Jeremy’s death, it would have been extremely negligent not to review our processes and try to improve wherever we can. We have generally improved the processes all round.”
Manchester area coroner, Zak Golombek, delivered the verdict of suicide, the inquest also confirmed.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article help and support is available here.
Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Related links:
- Former Premier League prospect on the real horrors of youth football
- Cast Adrift: How football is failing released academy players
- Ex-Ipswich footballer opens up on brutal reality of being released aged 18
