The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Charlton and Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie.
The next free agent to fall under our microscope is ex-Charlton and Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie
Goals win games and when a proven goalscorer is available for nothing, you would be foolish to overlook him. Kevin Lisbie hopes his past record will aid his cause this summer as he looks to get back to doing what he does best - finding the back of the net. Spells at the likes of Charlton, Colchester and Ipswich have seen the 32-year-old earn quite a reputation in Football League circles. A man who can also boast international experience with Jamaica, it is unlikely that Lisbie will find himself on the free agent shelf for long, so any interested parties are advised to make their move fast!
What's your situation at the moment? Have you had any interest?
I have started pre-season at Millwall, I have come down here to start training with them. There has been a bit of interest, but the clubs I have spoken to I have told that I want to get a couple of weeks under my belt and I will get back to them. Hopefully by next Friday I will be able to sort something out.
Are you looking to take the positives from being a free agent, as you can now choose where you go next, or is frustrating?
I wouldn't say it's too enjoyable. The clubs I have spoken to so far wouldn't be my first choice, so it is a bit frustrating in that way, but I am just looking to play football now. In a way it's good, but in a way it isn't. Some people like it, but I don't really like it. I would prefer to have something sorted out. I'm not enjoying it too much at the moment but hopefully something will get sorted.
You don't want to miss too much of pre-season do you and then end up having to get used to a new manager, new team-mates etc in a short space of time?
Exactly. I would prefer to have been with a club for the start of pre-season so you can get to know people. I don't like being the last one in and having to get to know everyone. I want to play in the Championship so I'm going to hold out as long as I can and hope that something will come along.
So you are setting your sights solely on the Championship at the moment are you?
Yeah, I think I can play in the Championship. I have played a lot at that level. It's a case of finding a club because managers have to decide whether to bring in a player like myself or somebody younger. I'm hoping that once they see me they will realise what I can do and that I would be good for their squad.
What about relocation? Is that something you would be willing to do or are you looking to stay in London?
If a Championship club came in for me, I would move. I'm not really bothered about where I have to go. I would prefer to stay in the Championship because I have played at that level for a few years now. I think I can handle this level quite easily, so I would like to stay. But obviously it's not my decision because I haven't got a contract or a club yet.
Would you be prepared to go for a trial first in an effort to get a contract?
When I originally signed for Colchester I went down for a trial, for a week trial. That was for one game. I'm not ruling out trials, it's just about finding a club that suits me. I would have no problem with going for a trial.
Are you concerned that you might only get offered a one-year deal and be in the same situation next summer? There aren't many long-term contracts around nowadays.
It's the second time I have been in this position in three years, so you never know. I was at Charlton for nine years, so I wasn't used to being in this situation. It's not ideal but, providing I steered clear of injuries, I think if I went to a club for a year I would be able to get another contract at the end of it. It's just getting something and something that works. It's not something I'm going to worry about and if I can stay fit and healthy I have no doubt that I would be able to earn another deal.
You are a proven goalscorer at Championship level, do you expect that to mark you out from some of the other free agents?
In the last three years, I have scored 50-odd goals since I left Charlton. I'm hoping that will help me in the long run or the short run. I hope managers will look at the goals I have scored in the last few years and realise I can do a job. I am in good shape and after another week-and-a-half at Millwall, I think I will be ready. Hopefully I will get a club and get the chance to go and meet everybody. For now it's about working hard at Millwall and getting myself ready.
Is there no chance of getting anything at Millwall? Will it be made clear that there isn't anything in the pipeline?
No, I wouldn't have thought so. The manager has been good with me, offering me the chance to come and train. He has said to me let's see what happens in pre-season. I think there is a chance I could earn something but we'll see.
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?
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