Ex-Mansfield and Derby player takes his own life aged 20 after being released

It’s been confirmed that an ex-Mansfield Town and Derby County player sadly takes his own life aged just 20 years old after being released.

Matthew Langton was on the books of the Stags and previously part of the Derby County Academy, but had been playing for Long Eaton United prior to his death.

An inquest, held at the Council House in Nottingham on Thursday the 7th of October, was told that Mr Langton had been experiencing mental health difficulties and that he had been prescribed anti-depressants by his GP.

Langton, who worked at his local Toton Tesco, had gone there on the 28th of February to begin a night shift, however left around two hours early the next day – at 5am on the 1st of March.

He was spotted just after 6am by his sister who said that he seemed to be in a confused state, and at around 6:30am, his mum Maxine Langton looked out of her window and saw her son lying on the floor after the tragedy.

A police investigation concluded that he had likely jumped from a first floor roof, which was accessed by his bedroom window, that was found to be open.

DC Adam Sibley told the hearing: “A police investigation concluded Matthew had jumped from a single storey first floor roof. He jumped a distance from the roof onto the concrete patio and that is what has caused the injury and his passing.

“There were found to be no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement at all.”

Assistant Coroner Fiona Gingell officially ruled Mr Langton’s death as suicide, with his death caused by multiple head injuries.

A toxicology report found no alcohol or drugs in his system, including no presence of the anti-depressant drugs he had previously been prescribed by his GP.

His family said he had long suffered with his mental health, especially after being released by League Two side Mansfield Town, but that he struggled to open up about it.

Mum Ms Langton said: “I am 100 percent sure this was his plan. I don’t think it was premeditated. It had been in his head for a while but I just think that morning he couldn’t get back into reality. I think that was his way out and I 100percent believe that.

“He did it that morning, but if you’d have asked me the night before [if he would have done it], I’d have said no.

“It’s been in his head to do something like this but he’s managed to bring himself out. He realised he wasn’t coming back from this and he took his own life.”

She continued: “The more we worried the more he hid everything.”

The inquest was told that one week prior to his death the young man had claimed he had gone for a two hour drive to clear his head, but that his mum had later picked up his trainers which were soaking wet.

“He wanted to be the best at everything,” mum Ms Langton said.

“He didn’t want to burden anyone.”

The inquest was told Matthew had started playing at the Rams’ academy at the age of seven, and that he went on to play for Mansfield’s youth set up, living away from home for around two years during the week while there.

He was released in 2019 and when lockdown happened less than a year later, he was unable to play for his new club, non league outfit Long Eaton United.

 

Ms Langton told the coroner: “Matthew realised he was on his own then and struggled more than ever.

“He got released in May or June time. He was struggling then, he had been in football since he was seven with Derby County right up until Long Eaton – but then lockdown came and that did not help at all.”

Concluding the inquest, Assistant Coroner for Nottinghamshire, Fiona Gingell, said: “Matthew had been struggling for some time, particularly in recent months following him being released from the academy, but his parents have been clear that wasn’t the only factor.

“Matthew had felt unable to speak to anyone about it, despite having a loving and supportive family that wanted to help. Matthew, like a lot of young men, didn’t want to burden people and worry people – particularly those he was close to and cared for.”

The inquest was told that the young man’s organs were donated after his death, as per his wishes, and six people had benefited as a result of this.

His family have also helped to raise more than £18,000 after his death for mental health charity Young Minds, with his mum and dad recently completing the Robin Hood Half Marathon and a charity football match being held at Long Eaton Football Club.

All three clubs paid tribute via social media after Mr Langton’s death.

A statement issued on behalf of Mansfield Town read: “Mansfield Town Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matthew Langton.

“Matthew was enrolled on our education scheme at Brooksby Melton College.

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s loved ones at this difficult time.”

Helplines and services available

• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – this is a 24/7 service that can provide free crisis support across the UK if you are experience a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help, text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
• Samaritans – if you are in distress, you can ring Samaritans for free at any time of day or night on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Childline – If you are under 19, you can call, email or chat online about any problem. Call 08001111 or chat 1 to 1 with an online advisor by following the link here.
• The Mix – If you are under 25, you can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or webchat. Freephone 08088084994 between 1pm and 11pm daily.