The next free agent to fall under our microscope is former England international Anthony Gardner.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is former England international Anthony Gardner
You do not earn England recognition unless you have got something about you, and Anthony Gardner has donned the colours of his country. He won his solitary cap back in 2004, while he was also included the travelling party for a 2005 tour to the USA but was forced out through injury. Snapped up by Tottenham from Port Vale in 2000, the towering centre-half went on to make almost 150 appearances for the north London outfit over the course of an eight-year stay. He has since spent time with Everton, Hull City and Crystal Palace, offering him further Premier League and Championship experience. At 29 years of age, he is at the peak of his powers and would not look out of place back among the top flight elite this season.
You already have a few offers on the table, are you just looking to sit tight and not rush into anything?
It's a difficult situation. It's all new for me because I have always been under contract or attached to a club. I have a bit of inexperience in this situation, I have always known that I am going back to pre-season. The situation now is just about getting the right club. It's about waiting for the right club. It's important not to rush into anything, you have to make the right decision. For someone with my experience, it's your work, it's your bread and butter and you want to make sure you make the decision for you and your family. It's just about waiting and being patient at the minute.
Is it something you have embraced, as you are now in a position to decide where you go next?
In a sense. When you are attached to a club you always look at free agents and think it would be nice to be in that position because, in a sense, you can choose where you go. You can choose your own destiny and decide where you want to go and play football. But, at the end of the day, clubs have to be interested in you and it has to be right - the club, the location, there are a lot of factors to take into account. At the minute, with pre-season already under way, I would rather be attached to a club. It's an important time, but I am doing as much training as I can and keeping fit. I keep myself in good shape, it's always better to be training regularly so you can keep your fitness at a decent level.
Pre-season isn't just about fitness, though, is it, it's also about getting settled at a new club, with new team-mates and a new manager?
It's not just about fitness, it's about bedding yourself into a new club. You see a lot of players moving just before the end of the window and it's difficult to do that. From my experience, when I have been moving clubs, it's best to be in right at the start of the summer so you can go away on the tours, get to know the players and the club and get to know the manager. It's all new to you, so it's nice to have something sorted out as soon as possible. But sometimes that's not the way it goes and you have to be patient. I'm just hoping everything turns out alright.
Are you hoping you might get the chance to play in the Premier League again?
Yes. I have played in the Prem for the majority of my career. That's where I would like to play - that's where everyone wants to play. But you have to appreciate that a lot of things have to be taken into consideration, it's about having a job and the right situation. I played in the Championship last season and it's tough, there are a lot of good players in that league. If there are teams out there in the Championship that are interested in me, I would be prepared to play in the Championship. There are some big teams in there. Although everyone has the desire to play in the Premier League, the Championship is a really good league as well.
Are you looking to stay in the London area, or are you willing to relocate?
Location is sometimes important for your family but now, at this stage of my career, it's about finding the right club. That's the main concern at the moment. You want to be happy playing your football. It's a short career. From my experience, I have played my best when I have been happy. It's always firstly about the right club and then you look at other aspects in the decision you make.
You were happy last season and played a lot of games, do you feel you are back to your best and clear of any injury concerns?
I feel fit. I got a good number of games behind me last year and that was nice. It was a nice feeling to know that I can still get out there and play 30-odd games without having too many problems. Last season I got to play quite a few games, so I was pleased with that and I thought I had a decent season. Things happen from time to time that you can't control, but to play so many games was nice.
To see the full list of players currently available as free agents, provided by the PFA, click
here.
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