I want to be a role model myself by doing this.
'I've hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in. I have also confided in my teammates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people. 'In reaching this point, I've had some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly proactive in putting my interests and welfare first. It's a step into the unknown being one of the first footballers in this country to reveal my sexuality, but I've been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change. I've known my whole life that I'm gay, and I now feel that I'm ready to come out and be myself. 'But off the pitch, I've been hiding the real me and who I really am.
