The next free agent to fall under our microscope is much-travelled frontman Barry Hayles.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is much-travelled frontman Barry Hayles
Barry Hayles is a much-travelled striker with 16 years experience under his belt. He has made over 500 appearances over the course of a distinguished career and has been a regular source of goals wherever he has been. He has graced every level of the game from the Premier League down to the Football League Conference and has turned out internationally for Jamaica.
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 it's part and parcel, especially at my age when you tend to get one-year deals. But I am still fighting fit and I want to give it another year.
There are more and more players finding themselves out of contract every year, is that an issue which needs to be addressed by the authorities?
It's part of the job. Youngsters come through and there are a lot of good players out there. It's just something that happens.
Do you have any idea as to the standard you are aiming at and what level you would like to play?
First and foremost I want to play in the Football League. If I have to drop down then I will go to the Conference, but I have started training already and I am just looking to stay fit and keep ticking over.
Would you be willing to relocate? Do you have to accept that you need to move where the contracts are?
Yeah, I am happy to go where the contracts are. I don't mind and I am willing to travel. If something comes up I have to look at it. I will not rule anywhere out. I am confident in my ability and I think something will come up.
Still early days in terms of teams getting their plans sorted, are you confident you will get something sorted?
You would like to think so, but people still have to feel that you can do a job. I think I am still good enough to do a job and think I am in decent shape. I am still fit and I could help out the youngsters who are coming through as well. I am fighting fit and I have got the hunger and the desire.
Would you be prepared to consider a dual role, combining playing with coaching duties?
Definitely, that is something I would definitely look at. I have done a little bit (of coaching) when I was at Plymouth, I started my badges then, but I haven't maintained it. It is something I would look at though.
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.
