The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Rangers and Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Rangers and Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae
Earning international recognition is no mean feat, so anyone who has turned out for their country on 14 occasions must know what they are doing. Taking that into account, Gavin Rae is a midfielder of some repute. The 33-year-old Scotland international has just ended a four-year association with Cardiff, during which time he graced the 2008 FA Cup final, and is on the lookout for a new club. Having also turned out for Dundee and Old Firm giants Rangers during his career, it appears to be only a matter of time before he is snapped up. Charlton and Aberdeen have already come close to securing his signature, but for now he remains up for grabs.
What's your situation at the moment? Have you had any interest?
I've had a few little things but nothing concrete, so until something definite comes along it's just a case of sitting tight and seeing how things go on. I have been training with Cardiff, just to keep fit. Malky Mackay's been kind enough to let me work with them for a bit so it's just a case of getting a club now.
You have been in this situation before haven't you, so at least you know what it's about?
When I left Rangers I was obviously a bit younger and this time, with there not being as much money around in the game, it's been a bit harder. I thought I would have something. I thought I would join Aberdeen and Charlton, but they both fell through. I have been really unlucky in that way. It's been a bit concerning and a bit of a worry because I wasn't expecting to be in this situation. But I am just keeping my head down and waiting on something.
You don't want to miss too much of pre-season do you?
Of course. I had hoped to be in a club by now, allowing me to be involved from the start. It's going to be a bit harder, but I've been doing some work at Cardiff to keep fit. I just need to settle somewhere else now.
Have you given any thought about the standard you would like to play at? Are you looking at the Championship again?
I don't know. We will just have to wait and see. I'm open to anything. I'm not ruling anything out. It just depends on what offers come in and what clubs come in. The longer it drags on the more frustrating it becomes, but hopefully I can get a contract sorted out soon.
What about the SPL? You had the interest from Aberdeen, so would you like to go back to Scotland?
Maybe. Aberdeen was more interesting because that's where I'm from. I have played quite a lot of football in England the last few years, though, and I would like to stay down here. But, like I said, I'm up for anything.
Could you see yourself moving abroad? Maybe the MLS or Australia?
Yeah, definitely. I would try that. Sometimes with foreign clubs it can be difficult, with the foreigner rule. I don't think it's too much of a problem in the MLS, but it is in Australia. I think they are only allowed four or five foreigners in their squad and I would fall into that category being Scottish. That might scupper me going there, but I'm open to it and the MLS.
You have plenty of experience, do you think that will play into your hands the longer the summer goes on?
I think so. It's a serious situation for me. I don't want to talk about this club and that club and what they need, because at the moment I am unemployed. Until I get something, hopefully I can just keep myself fit until the right club comes in. I have played in a lot of games in the Championship, so hopefully that experience helps.
Do you think you might have to go for a trial first, play a couple of games and try to impress that way?
Maybe. I wouldn't be against that. In the situation I am in, without a club, I won't rule anything out. Ideally you would like to avoid something like that, but if it happens I would be up for it.
But you are still confident that you will get something sorted before the new season starts?
I'm hopeful I will get a club sorted. Hopefully I have done enough over the years to generate some interest and whatever comes along, I will have a look at.
To see the full list of players currently available as free agents, provided by the PFA, click
here.
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