Billy Kee is currently receiving specialist treatment as he battles depression, anxiety and bulimia, the club have revealed.

Kee didn’t return to pre-season training with the club this summer and a short statement in July said he was absent for personal reasons.

The popular frontman has been a key figure at the Wham Stadium since his return in the summer of 2015. But he has opened up over his struggles with mental health in recent times and Stanley say his condition has ‘deteriorated’.

A club statement released this afternoon said: “Billy Kee would like to thank everyone for their ongoing messages of support as he battles depression, anxiety and bulimia.

“The striker has spoken out over the years about his ongoing issues but over the summer he has deteriorated and has been unable to return to play football for the Reds this season.

“He is currently under specialist treatment and the club is doing what it can to support Billy, who has been an integral part of the side both on and off the pitch for a number of years.”

Kee has scored 74 times for the club since his return in 2015, having previously enjoyed a loan spell in 2009/10. He was named League Two player of the season in 2017/18 as his goals helped the club in to the third tier.