Brian Kerr reckons footballers should stay off social media. The new St Mirren assistant manager opened up on changes within the game since he last played over a decade ago.
And he admits the world of instant online analysis from everyone with access to a keyboard and wifi has a huge impact on those currently plying their trade.
Social media sites like X, formerly Twitter, can provide a link between fans, players and the wider club.
However, there have been numerous examples across football from all over the world of players being singled out for stinging criticism and much worse in some cases.
Kerr believes players would be best served ignoring the social media reaction and focusing on their day-to-day training and preparation.
“I think social media is probably the biggest change from my playing days,” he said. “Some of the things that you can see or read on that…it’s big thing for us to try and keep the boys away from that as much as possible.
“We used to go and play the game, enjoy it, go away and then it was: Let’s concentrate on the following week.
“Whereas there’s so much made of decisions, of things that go on, if there’s anything that happens in the pitch you see it 400 times before the following week.
“It’s trying to make sure the boys concentrate and fully focus on the games and matches ahead. The impact social media has on players has been clear to see across the board.
“You see how certain players have dealt with certain circumstances and there’s no doubt that some deal with it or handle it better than others.
“Some struggle with it. That’s why I would advise them obviously to be totally off it. But that’s their decision and they’ll make their mind up what they want to do.”
In recent years, football has become more aware of mental health issues in the game with players encouraged to speak up to help themselves and others.
Kerr knows some aspects of social media can have an impact on a player’s wellbeing with it potentially having an effect on performances on the pitch.
“There’s real challenges out there,” he added. “We read and hear about mental health all the time and we hear about some people struggling with it.
“Then supporters or other people are saying whatever they like about players on a Saturday night. These boys need to deal with that – as well as trying to perform on the pitch and doing their family proud.
“There’s so much involved. Social media can sometimes help and sometimes can be a hindrance. But it’s the world we’re in.”
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