The next free agent to fall under our microscope is experienced defender Chris Perry.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is experienced defender Chris Perry
Chris Perry is an experienced defender who began his career at Wimbledon, where he made more than 200 appearances. The 37-year-old was released by League One side Southampton at the end of the season and is now on the lookout for a new club. A former Premier League defender, Perry moved from Wimbledon to Tottenham for £4million in 1999, and then made the switch to Charlton in 2003, who were then managed by Alan Curbishley in the top-flight. He was an unlucky loser for West Brom in the 2007 Championship play-off final before going on to play for Luton Town and the Saints.
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?
I think nowadays it happens more and more and I think you do have to accept it. Obviously there is an element of worry, particularly at my age that you're not going to get another chance to go and play somewhere. But I feel good physically and hopefully I can get another club.
Is it something that needs to be addressed in the modern game, as more and more players are now out of contract?
It's just the way it's going. With the financial situations of clubs, they don't want to give out long contracts and you can completely understand it.
How do you approach the summer, is it just a case of sitting tight?
My agent has been doing what he can for me and I've been trying to enjoy the summer, keeping myself fit and waiting to see what happens - not sitting by the phone. There's been a few little bits of interest from here and there and you just hope that something concrete comes out of it.
Do you have any idea as to the standard you are aiming at and what level you would like to play?
I'd like to continue playing at the standard I was last season, League One, League Two. Ideally for me my family live in London and I'd like to move back to London - a club local to me in the London area would be ideal.
Would you be willing to relocate? Do you have to accept that you need to move where the contracts are?
My boy has just started school and my family is very much set in that area so anywhere in and around London would be ideal for me.
Would you be prepared to go on trial to secure a new contract?
I think at this time of the year it's difficult when pre-season starts to go on trial somewhere because all you really do is go running, you don't play any games and they don't get to see what you're really like. I think it's important if you do go on trial somewhere there are games for you to play in where they get to see how you do on the pitch rather than just in the training sessions. I think training is completely different to playing.
What do you feel you would offer prospective employers? What do you feel are your best attributes?
I think there are few players out there who have got more experience than I've got. I've played at the highest level for a long, long time and I've got a lot of experience to bring to any squad really, particularly if it is a team with a young squad then I can bring that bit of experience to it. I'll be looking to go into coaching very soon as well so maybe I can start that off at whatever club I may be at.
How many more seasons do you hope to continue playing?
I'm taking my level two (coaching badge) right now and I've started on the coaching trail, but I feel really good physically. I feel I can certainly play this season and hopefully another maybe one or two after that even. I've been fairly lucky with injuries and I haven't really suffered too much so I feel able t play for another couple of years at least.
Still early days in terms of teams getting their plans sorted, are you confident you will get something sorted?
I'm hopeful, very hopeful yes.
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 or email chris.burton@bskyb.com or
james.riach@bskyb.com.
