Bolton-born former footballer Alan Tonge hopes a new book chronicling his journey into and out of professional football will help raise awareness of mental health of players in the game.

The 52-year-old was the first player signed in Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure when he penned schoolboy forms in January 1987 before becoming a full-time apprentice the following year.

He penned a professional contract in July 1990 but then had the disappointment of being released by the Red Devils.

Tonge went on to play briefly for Horwich RMI after his release and then was back in the league with Exeter City. But he then more heartbreak saw his career cut short by a serious back injury.

Tonge reveals all in his new book out next week entitled ‘From Red to Read’ in which he details his career in the game, his struggles when it ended and his shift to a new career path in teaching.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Tonge said: “I did the book to tell my story – not only about being at Man United but also dealing with the double blow of release and then a career-ending injury.

“Yes, it has stories about life at United under Sir Alex but also the mental health issues I had after stopping playing.

“Nowadays, players have plenty of money but in those days back in the 1990s, apart from some of the insurance money I received and help from the PFA, I knew I had to find a job.

“After United, I made my league debut at 19 for Exeter and scored my first goal aged 20. But by 23-24 I was finished and heading out of professional football with screws and plates in my spine.

“I felt thrown away like an empty crisp packet and was completely lost - as if I had never played.

“There were big ups and massive downs.

“I felt sorry for myself at first. I had issues with filling my time - drinking and gambling.

“But with the help of my family I got my life back on track, went back to studying and got a PhD - eventually going into teaching which I have done now for more than 20 years.

“It’s about the struggles and getting through - it is close to my heart because now I try and use my experiences to help other footballers going through similar rejection.

“Football has changed a lot, but players are still in a bubble - it is what to do when that bubble bursts for whatever reason.”

Tonge hopes to donate some proceeds from the book to mental health charities, including Manchester Mind, who helped him with his own issues.

His teaching involves work for the UCFB (University Campus of Football Business) – helping educate others in sport.

He continued: “It is not just in football, but in life generally sometimes we all need some help, be it from family and friends or someone else just to talk to.

“Hopefully, people reading the book will see there can be light at the end of a dark tunnel like there was for me.

“I love what I do now - I was never one of those players who hated school as a kid so it was the natural thing for me to look at and it means I can now pass on my experiences to today’s youngsters.”

Despite never playing for his home-town Wanderers and being brought up in a United-supporting family, Tonge remains a proud Boltonian whose fond memories of learning his footballing trade in the town are a big part of the book, with former Town team colleagues featured including keeper and good friend, Mike Pollitt.

It is a football upbringing Tonge remembers all too vividly.

“My dad [Kenneth] had been a player on the books of Oldham and Bury so football was in my blood I suppose,” he added.

“At an early age I played for Farnworth boys and then Moss Bank before going to play for Bolton Lads Club and the Town team.

“I had some great times working with the likes of Tony Moulden, whose son Paul went on to play for Man City, and Billy Howarth, whose sons Lee and Neil both became professional players.

“The town teams were great as well – we had some players who went on to do well like Garry Flitcroft and Mike Pollitt.

“I knew I had a chance of making it and when Phil Neal was in charge at Bolton, they were interested along with City - Billy McNeil wanted me to sign to their academy.

“But the advice was not to jump in quickly, so I waited and then United came in which, for someone growing up in a family of Reds, was a dream.

“But life did not turn out as expected after that - as the book explains.

“I hope it will be a book for not just United and Exeter fans - but football supporters in general.”

* From Red to Read is published by Pitch Publishing and is out next Monday, March 4, priced £19.99.