( CNN ) -- The Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) , a body which represents soccer players in England and Wales , has sent ex-professionals a guide on how to handle mental health issues following the death of Wales manager Gary Speed . Speed , who made over 500 appearances in the English Premier League during a 22-year playing career , was found dead at his home on Sunday , sending British football into mourning . Although it is not known whether Speed was struggling with depression or any mental health issues , the PFA , which is linked to a similar body in Scotland , has taken the step of making `` The Footballers ' Guidebook '' available to 50,000 former players . The guide , which includes comic strip style drawings and case studies from former players , was sent to current players in July . `` Whether you 're a king , a prince or a pauper , or a top sports star or the man in the street -- everybody is a human being and can have issues that they need help with , '' PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor told CNN . The issue of depression in football was highlighted by the death of German national team goalkeeper Robert Enke , who took his own life in 2009 after a long struggle with the illness . `` The PFA are going to do even more work to try and make sure that people know they can turn to somebody in such times , '' explained Taylor . `` We 've got to do all we can . '' `` The death of Gary is so devastating , we 've got to do all we can to make sure it does n't happen again . '' Speed represented Leeds United , Everton , Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers in England 's top flight , before dropping into the second tier to play for , and later manage , Sheffield United . The former midfielder is the most-capped outfield player in Welsh history , having played for his country on 85 occasions . As a manager , Speed guided Wales to 45th in the world rankings , their highest position . A minutes applause will be held before all of this weekend 's English Premier League matches in honor of Speed .
The PFA have sent 50,000 members advice on coping with mental illness . In a statement the organisation said: “Mental health is an issue that affects everyone in society It is unclear whether Speed was experiencing depression or any mental illness . The guide was issued to current professional players in July .