The next free agent to fall under our microscope is Leeds United winger Andy Robinson.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is Leeds United winger Andy Robinson
Andy Robinson is a player who may not be out of contract, but he has been directed by Leeds United manager Simon Grayson to find a new club. The 30-year-old midfielder spent a period on loan at Tranmere Rovers last season, the team where he began his professional career. Robinson, known for his technical ability, spent five years in Wales with Swansea City between 2003 and 2008, which culminated in the Swans clinching the League One title in his last campaign at the Liberty Stadium. He signed for Leeds on a free transfer before the Whites lost the division's play-off final in the same year, condemning them to another season in the third tier. He has now been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Grayson.
Is it worrying being an out-of-contract player in the current climate or is that now part and parcel of a footballer's career?
At the end of the day I'm still at Leeds but I'm disappointed I never made my mark at the club. I went on loan at the end of last season so I'm pretty much used to what's happened to me now. Obviously I'm on the transfer list now so it's hard but hopefully what I've done in my career so far will be enough to get me a new club.
There are more and more players dropping into the free agent market every year, is that an issue the authorities need to address?
Possibly, but it's part and parcel of football. One man's loss is another man's gain in football, if one club doesn't want you another club will. As it happens now I'm looking for a new club but as it stands I'm going back to Leeds for pre-season.
What is your mindset heading into the summer, are you just looking to sit tight or are you trying to be pro-active?
Well obviously I've got to look for a new club because I'm on the transfer list. I have got the security of the one-year contract (at Leeds) whereas other players are out of contract which is a bigger problem. In that aspect I don't think I'm as bad off as those people.
Do you have any idea as to the standard you are aiming at and what level you would like to play? Are you looking to stay in the Championship?
I've always believed I've got the ability to play Championship football. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. I'm proven at League One, I've played at League One for most of my career and I've had a few promotions under my belt. I've always been recognised as a League One player so we'll wait and see, there's a few offers there but we'll have to see what happens.
Would you be willing to relocate? Do you have to accept that you need to move where the contracts are?
When you get a transfer your family gets a transfer, that's part and parcel of football. But when you have to move on you get used to it. You just look forward to the challenge and that's what I'm doing.
What has Simon Grayson said to you? Is there any chance of an opportunity at Leeds?
I haven't spoken to the gaffer, but I think he's said he's got his own mind, his own ideas of playing, and I don't fit into them. I think that's as far as it goes. If it does happen and I go back to Leeds for pre-season and he changes his mind then we'll see what happens.
It's still relatively early in the summer, are you confident you will get something?
Definitely, as I said I'm proven in League One and I think I've got the ability to play in the Championship. But I've got to prove myself all over again and I'm looking forward to the new challenge. Every season is a learning curve in football and the situation I'm in now is certainly a new learning curve for me. I'm looking forward to getting to a new club and showing what I can do.
Would you be prepared to go on trial to secure a new contract?
To be fair I'd rather not go down there. I'd rather go to a club that know a little bit about me, have watched me and seen me over the years and know who I'm about basically. It's a hard situation because you don't know where you're going to be - I'm going back to Leeds for pre-season but if Leeds don't want me I'd rather be going back to a club that I'm going to be doing a whole pre-season with.
What do you feel you would offer prospective employers? What do you feel are your best attributes?
I'm willing to work, I'm an attacking-minded player, I like to get forward and make things happen in the final third. As I say I work my socks off for the team and I'm a team player. Obviously I just like to win.
To see the full list of players currently available as free agents, provided by the PFA,
click here.
We would like to hear your thoughts on the best free transfers out there. Who should we be talking to? Who are this summer's bargains? Who should your club be targeting?
Maybe you are a player that would like to be featured, or an agent looking to get a client fixed up for next season.
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