The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Bolton and Blackburn defender Andy Todd.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Bolton and Blackburn defender Andy Todd
In some respects, 2011 has been a year to forget for Andy Todd. Released by Perth Glory in January, he then endured a difficult spell at Oldham before being dropped into the free agent pool. He is, however, a no-nonsense defender with bags of experience and he will be hoping that the second half of the year proves to be considerably more productive than the first. The well-travelled defender has turned out for Bolton, Charlton, Blackburn and Derby in the Premier League and has clocked up over 350 appearances in English football. That impressive CV suggests he will get his wish of enjoying a professional swansong in 2011/12.
What is your situation at the moment? Has there been any interest?
There has been a little bit of interest, but nothing concrete. I'm just waiting for the phone to ring basically.
You've done quite well haven't you to have played for so many years and never been in this position?
This is the first time in my career that I haven't been preparing to go back to work. You go on your holidays and the summer usually goes very quick, but this time it has been really slow because I've got nothing to go back to. It's been really slow.
I take it that means you are looking to get something in place as soon as possible?
Pre-season is very important. I think I can play for another year in the right environment, but as it stands at the moment I am going down to my local boxing gym to do a bit of work. I have just enjoyed a few days in Portugal with some mates and now I'm back training.
So you are looking purely for a playing contract, not a combined role which includes a bit of coaching?
I think I would like to have one more year as a player. The way things happened at Oldham towards the end of the season, I can't let things finish like it did there. I only played about five games and I think my last game might have been Bournemouth away in February, and we got beat 3-0. Just the way it all finished at Oldham, it would be very disappointing to end on such a low.
Is coaching something you are looking to get into in the future?
I have got one of my badges. I need to do my B license, I think that's the next one, but at this moment in time I would just like to concentrate on playing.
Have you given any thought as to the level you would like to play at?
I played in League One last season and it's a very tough league. It's quick and the young boys are quick and powerful. I honestly think that if I'm in the right environment I could still do a job in that division. The Championship is probably a bit too far for me, but League One and League Two I don't think would be any problem at all. Physically I'm okay and I've never really been quick. In the right environment, I think I could do a job as a player. I just need the opportunity.
It's possible isn't it that Football League managers will look at you and think your experience might be useful to some of their younger lads?
I would like to try and help people, yeah. I am 36 and managers do take that into account, but I would be happy to help younger players with a little bit of my experience. I want to be a player again.
Is relocation an issue or are you prepared to go wherever the contracts are?
I live in Derbyshire so I'm quite central to everything. If I get an opportunity to play in League One or League Two, I don't mind doing a bit of travelling. That's not a problem. I just want to play. I have got a bit of a bad taste in my mouth from the end of last season and I'd like to get rid of that.
You've already spent two years in Australia, is heading abroad again something you would be willing to consider?
I don't think the MLS is an option. In Australia there are only limited teams and they only have five foreign spots, so it's difficult to get out there and I think they also take into account the age. But Australia was great, the two seasons I spent out there. The first season went very well, then the second season not so well because I had a little bit of an injury. Towards the end of the season there I found my feet and then ended up back at Oldham. I would rather stay in England now.
So for now it's just a case of sitting tight and seeing what happens is it?
If the phone rings, I will see what they say. I'd like to think that I can still help someone, one way or another.
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.
To offer your suggestions fill in the feedback form below or get in contact with either
chris.burton@bskyb.com (@SkySportsChrisB) or
alex.dunn@bskyb.com (@SkySportsAlDunn)
