Worrying times for former Pirates star...and many others

Football isn’t immune from the credit crunch as players such as Craig Hinton are finding out. The former Bristol Rovers defender made 187 appearances in his five seasons at the club but wasn’t offered a new deal when the season ended and has joined the scramble to find himself a new club.

In 25 League One appearances for the Pirates last season he only tasted defeat on seven occasions but the 31-year-old is now looking for pastures new. With a 21-week-old son, Ted, it is a worrying tie for Hinton as he tries to secure a deal for next term and continue to pay the bills.

This is life at the sharp end of professional football but the former Kidderminster Harriers defender is confident in his own ability and is optimistic he still has plenty to offer and expects to be a Football League player come August. Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Hinton as he prepares for a summer of uncertainty.

WERE YOU SURPRISED TO BE GIVEN A FREE TRANSFER BY BRISTOL ROVERS?
In a way I was surprised as I thought I’d done enough to earn myself a new deal for a year. However, the way football is currently with budgets changing all the time then you shouldn’t be surprised at anything. Finances are tight everywhere and the manager will want to bring in new players so it is time to move on from that and start afresh.

WHAT WOULD I GET IF I WAS A MANAGER LOOKING TO SIGN CRAIG HINTON?
You would get a lot for your money the wages I am on! Seriously, I would hope that I would bring consistency in terms of my performances and I am a solid defender. I know how to defend and am a good organiser who would bring experience to a defence and at the age of 31 I believe I still have a quite a few years left in me.

IS IT A CONCERN AS YOU HAVE A YOUNG FAMILY?
It is a concern because I have more to think about than just me now. Nicki is looking after our 21-week-old baby – Ted – at present so it is important that I am earning money and the best way for me to do that is through football.

• More on Craig’s future here on givemefootball later.