Prescribing the beautiful game: Can free tickets help mental health?

Owner Dale Vince (right) appointed Robbie Savage in July and Forest Green Rovers sit fifth in the National League table

"People say I'm a pantomime villain and that I should be able to take the abuse," says Robbie Savage. "But it does affect me, especially when I'm away from my family, living on my own, and isolated."

The Forest Green Rovers manager, an often divisive figure in football, is talking about mental health and the "vile abuse" directed towards him from some opposition fans.

A NHS pilot scheme in Gloucestershire allows GPs in the area to prescribe tickets to Forest Green home games to patients with depression.

Savage, who captained four Premier League clubs after being released by Manchester United, is open about his own mental health.

He has spoken in the past about dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as the death of his father.

Since taking the full-time job at Forest Green in July, the former Wales midfielder, 51, spends most of the week away from the family home near Manchester, where his wife Sarah, and youngest son Freddie, still live.

"There are times I go back to my apartment and I'm isolated, I'm on my own, and it can be hard," adds Savage.

"When you're a player, you can go out with your team-mates. As a manager you can't go out with your players so it's quite a lonely place, especially when you're receiving abuse."

Earlier this month, Savage says he was subjected to abuse that "crossed the line" during an away game at Carlisle United, with the Cumbrian club saying they will pass on video, audio and CCTV footage to the Football Association.

"One of the things I like most about football is the humour, the banter, the camaraderie. We have it at this football club and I have it with away fans," says Savage.

"But there is a line. That line was crossed [against Carlisle] and that's not acceptable. We're not talking about the every day abuse that football fans give.

"Then there's a social media pile-on. All the negative energy that surrounds me from other people, it does get to me at times.

"How do I deal with it? It's hard but the most important thing for me is speaking to people and being around people at the training ground."

Savage says it is important to address mental health issues and fully supports his club supplying free tickets to patients with mild to moderate depression.

"People do struggle mentally in life," he adds.

"This initiative is not just about watching football. It's about the day itself because when you come to a match, you meet new people, friends, engage with family."

Savage has made a habit of engaging with fans before and after games

'Modern life cuts us off from people'

There are more than eight million adults in England taking antidepressants, according to NHS figures.

For the 'Football on Prescription' scheme, the Cotswolds-based club linked up with Labour MP for Stroud, Dr Simon Opher.

Instead of tablets, patients are prescribed a match ticket in the hope that the sense of belonging that comes with cheering on a team can play a role in improving mental health.

"Football brings people together like nothing else," Dale Vince, the green energy entrepreneur who owns Forest Green Rovers, tells BBC Sport.

"There are two things that modern life cuts us off from - nature and people. It's very easy to be isolated and lonely.

"I've had periods of my life where I've been a bit fed up, and excluded... a bit down from time to time. It's easy to spiral downwards when you're not in contact with people.

"One of the best things about running a football club I've found is the feeling of community it brings. At this level it's about community, not making money."

Offering match tickets to patients is a form of social prescribing and the idea came about after a conversation between Vince and Dr Opher.

"Social prescribing is basically about trying to get people better without using medicines - art classes, exercises, gardening," says Dr Opher.

"I'm not saying antidepressants don't work. For some people they are really essential but I think we overuse them and we overuse them because there is nothing else available.

"Let's try something different. In this case, coming to a football ground and feeling part of a club."

Critics argue that while social prescribing might offer short-term benefits, there is inconsistent evidence of its long-term effectiveness in improving social support or reducing GP visits.

"We try to follow up with people that come here and see if they want a repeat prescription," adds Vince, who says the scheme is the first of its kind in the UK - and possibly the world.

Despite only being rolled out a couple of months ago, 'Football on Prescription' is already proving popular.

Savage (right) and his players applaud Forest Green Rovers fans after last Saturday's 2-1 win against Boreham Wood

'Savage is a breath of fresh air'

It is Saturday lunchtime and Savage exudes energy as he enters a hospitality box at Forest Green's ground, which sits at the top of a hill and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Gloucestershire countryside.

Soon he will be in the home dugout overseeing a top-of-the-table match against Boreham Wood, but he still finds the time for a chat and a photograph with Sally, who has been prescribed a match ticket by her local GP.

Sally, 55, was hit by a car at the age of 11 and has at times struggled with her mental health.

"Wait here, Sally, I'll be back in two minutes" says Savage, veteran of 346 Premier League games for Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.

The former Wales international returns from the club shop with a green and black scarf for Sally.

"Robbie is so warm and welcoming," she says after the manager has left the room.

Savage presented Sally with a Forest Green Rovers scarf before last Saturday's home win over Boreham Wood

Forest Green defeat Boreham Wood 2-1 to the delight of the 1,825 crowd, a result that moves them two points behind leaders Rochdale.

Savage's antics on the sideline prove as entertaining to watch as the match itself, with the manager spending the majority of the game standing in his technical area, looking as if he wants to kick every ball and encouraging his players at every opportunity.

"He is a breath of fresh air," says Niels, who has also been prescribed a ticket to the game.

"Seeing his passion on the touchline... he is Mr Motivator."

Would Niels, who has struggled with addiction issues, recommend 'Football on Prescription'?

"This is my third Forest Green game and second through social prescribing. Coming here lifts your spirits. It's almost like a little reset. Mental health is a complex thing. But at least Forest Green are trying to do something."

Will Sally be back to watch another game?

"I can't wait to come back. It's a chance to get out in the fresh air and meet new people. It's better than any medicine I have ever taken."

Forest Green Rovers are away at League One Luton Town in the first round of the FA Cup on Friday (19:30 GMT kick-off).

How to follow the FA Cup on the BBC this weekend

Support and information for anyone struggling with their mental health can be found on the BBC Action Line website.