With over 500 players not being offered new contracts this summer, it is a worrying time for many professional footballers. Darren Wrack is one such player who – despite making over 40 appearances for Walsall last season – has not been offered a new deal this term. The 32-year-old has made 383 appearances for the Saddlers in a ten-year spell at the club and scored well over 50 goals. Throw into the melting pot appearances for Derby, Shrewsbury and Grimsby too and Wrack's CV is very impressive. However, the midfielder is currently on the look-out for a new club and insists he still has a lot to offer as he told Ian Clarkson in another givemefootball exclusive.
Q:WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT WALSALL DIDN'T OFFER YOU A NEW DEAL?
A:I half expected it but it still came as a bit of a shock. No-one expects to be released but I am going to try and turn it into a positive and look forward. It is an opportunity for me to start a new chapter of my career and take on a fresh challenge at a different club.
Q:IF I WAS A MANAGER LOOKING TO SIGN A PLAYER THIS SUMMER WHY WOULD I PLUMP FOR DARREN WRACK?
A:I am very versatile and can play anywhere and still do a good job for the team. My technique and skill levels are good so I can create chances and I am a hard worker for the team – is that good enough! I believe that I am still good enough and willing enough and played over 40 games last season at League One level with only one niggling injury.
Q:IS IT GETTING HARDER FOR THIRTYSOMETHINGS TO GET A CONTRACT IN THE CURRENT FOOTBALL CLIMATE?
A:I think it is definitely getting harder as clubs have to look at budgets and it is sometimes a cheaper option to give a young lad a contract. However, I think I have proven last year that I am more than capable of playing at League One level and I still think I am capable of doing a job in the Championship. I know that it might be difficult for a manager to take a chance on me at that level but I think I am capable of playing in the Football League next season.
Q:WHAT HAVE YOU DONE DURING THE SUMMER?
A:I am currently training overtime to make sure I am as fit as possible when pre-season starts. However, for the first couple of weeks after the season I went into rehabilitation for my gambling problem. I have got it sorted out now and my mind is focused on the job in hand but there was a short spell when football became secondary to gambling. I have been known throughout my career as a gambler but I want to get away from that now and I am a better player for it. But I still want to help people out and pass on advice to ensure they don't make the same mistakes that I have.
Q:HAVE YOU MADE ANY PLANS FOR LIFE AFTER FOOTABLL?
A:Not as yet because I intend to carry on playing for a few more years as yet. I will start taking my coaching badges this year as that appeals but I have known for a few years that I am going to have to work when I finish football. I am adaptable but not too sure what route I am going to take yet but there are plenty of options.
Q:DID YOU ENJOY YOUR TIME AT WALSALL?
A:I had a fantastic ten years at Walsall and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club. There were plenty of ups and downs but the ups far outweighed the downs. I had a testimonial there this summer and that was a lovely way for me to end my time there. Hopefully, I can have plenty of good times at my next club. * For more information on the full list of players released this summer, click on the 'Player Transfer Directory' banner on the home page and follow the instructions. Or call the PFA's head office on 0161 236 0575 if you are one of those players released.
