Being out of contract - Simon Whaley

An interview with Simon Whaley has been published by Sky Sports. He has recently been on trial at Bury but has just been released. Some time ago he worked with Hereford United manager Simon Davey whilst at Barnsley. The interview gives an insight into the problems faced by a player being out of contract.

A talented playmaker with vast experience of life in the Championship, Simon Whaley is an attacking talent who would help to provide a cutting edge to any side. He can operate on the wing, making the most of his creative abilities, or as a central forward. He has taken in spells on all three rungs of the Football League and has looked comfortable at each level.

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?

Obviously you have to accept it. I have gone from playing Championship football in the last 12 months to becoming a free agent. It's difficult to get your head round but you have to accept it and work harder to get something.

There are more and more players every year dropping into the free agent market, do you feel it is an issue that needs to be addressed?

I would say so, yeah. I have taken a look at the list myself and I think there about 26 pages of players who are in the same position as me. It is becoming more and more of an issue every year.

Do you have any idea as to the standard you are aiming at and what level you would like to play?

I have played in all of the divisions bar the top one recently. I would like to play Championship football but if I have to take a backwards step to achieve that again, that's not a problem and I will do that in order to get back there.

Would you be willing to relocate? Do you have to accept that you need to move where the contracts are?

It's part and parcel of the job and my family know that. If there is nothing there and something comes where we have to move, then we will do that.

Still early days in terms of teams getting their plans sorted, are you confident you will get a deal?

I have spoken to a few managers a few weeks ago and they told me that clubs aren't really looking for players at the moment. It does take until the end of June for clubs to really start doing their business.

Do you expect a flurry of activity later in the summer, as many clubs are working to very tight budgets and need to be certain they are getting the right players?

Most definitely, especially clubs in League Two, they will leave it as late as possible. They will try and save some money. It's just one of those things, a catch 22. They will leave it late and then offer you a contract that you might not want, but then you have to think about yourself and decide whether you wait for something else to come up.

What do you feel you would offer prospective employers? What do you feel are your best attributes?

I have plenty of experience and I have played quite a lot of Championship games, quite a lot of League Two games and a few League One games. I think have useful attributes and a few managers have seen my in different position - I can play anywhere across midfield or up front.

---