Former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce yesterday voiced his concerns for the health of Barton, who is currently serving a prison sentence for assault and affray.

A further suspended sentence for another offence, imposed last week, has led to calls for Newcastle to sack the £5.8million midfielder.

Allardyce, however, has warned such an action could emotionally damage the player and send him into depression.

Dr Roger Kingerlee, a leading clinical psychologist and writer based in Norfolk, admits life can be tough for men - particularly in male-dominated careers - and would like to see support offered.

He said: "I think it is often the case that men's psychological help is overlooked.

"Certainly we know the prison service is undermanned psychologically and it is a good idea if men are offered some care.

"They might not want to take it but the fact it is offered can act as a psychological safety net.

"Often where there are macho, male-orientated cultures like in sport, or in the police service or the army, people aren't used to talking about things and coming forward.

"What you find is, when they do, they often do really well and make good changes."

Kingerlee has high regard for the work of Sporting Chance, the clinic set up by former England defender Tony Adams to help professional sportsmen and women. Barton has been helped by the charity in the past.

"It is something that has been an issue in recent years but it is improving now with things like Sporting Chance," added Dr Kingerlee, whose new book 'Alright Mate - Help for Depressed Men', will be published next year.

Allardyce signed Barton last summer but had limited opportunity to work with him before leaving the club in January.

He hopes the club will stick with him when he is released from prison to allow him the chance to rebuild his career.

"If Newcastle sack Joey it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of him trying to put things right and become a better person," he said.

"It could also be dangerous to take football away from him.

"He is a complete football man. His life revolves around it. Without it he could re-offend and, worse, go into a depression."