The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Charlton and Blackpool forward Jason Euell.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is former Charlton and Blackpool forward Jason Euell
Having spent the vast majority of his career competing in the Premier League, Jason Euell is a free agent of considerable pedigree. He once commanded a £4.75million transfer fee when Charlton snapped him up from Wimbledon, and since then he has gone on to represent Middlesbrough, Southampton, Blackpool and Doncaster with distinction. Now more of a forward-thinking midfielder than an out-and-out striker, the 34-year-old's considerable experience could prove invaluable to an ambitious Football League outfit.
What's your situation at the moment? Is it worrying at all being a free agent in the current climate?
It is a little bit. This is the second time it has happened in my career. The last time was when I left Southampton. They got relegated at the time and the club were in a transitional period regarding takeovers. It wasn't too bad because once my contract had ended I was allowed to come back and train while the takeover was being sorted and things were being discussed contract wise. At the moment I am not sure where I will be for pre-season. That's the worrying side of it, because you don't want to miss too much pre-season training because you miss out on teamwork. I am just training and staying focused.
So are you hoping that something will come up in early July, with all the clubs reporting back for pre-season?
Yeah, that would be the ideal plan. I don't want to miss too many days in pre-season because then you have to play catch up. When you have a contract you know when you are due back and have time to get to know your team-mates and settle in quickly ready for the start of the new season.
You have plenty of experience now, are you in a position where you can pick and choose a bit?
It's not so much about rejecting offers, it's about choosing the right club, especially when you have a family and your decisions are based on a number of things.
There are more and more players becoming free agents every year, it's concerning isn't it - especially for younger players?
It is for all players whatever the age. The deals that are on the table are not like they used to be. You are only really getting contracts year on year, which doesn't really give players an opportunity to settle down and to think long-term. It's always hard when you are on short contracts, especially for the younger players, because you never have that stability.
What's your mindset at the moment? Are you sitting tight or are you being proactive in your search for a new club?
My agent has been proactive. All you can do is wait because you just don't know when clubs are going to make decisions. It's been pretty slow so far. A lot tends to happen in June, but it's been pretty quiet this year. I don't know if that's down to the Premier League not doing as much and it is filtering down, or maybe people are being a bit more cautious and don't want to dive into things.
I understand you have been keeping yourself busy, though, while you wait for something to come along. What have you been up to?
I have re-started my Level Two coaching badges this summer and I have been doing my mentoring programme 'Reaching Goals' with Jigsaw4U a charity I am a patron of. I have also been doing some training as well, so I've been keeping busy.
Have you given any thought as to the level you
