The summer months can be a difficult time in the life of a professional footballer, particularly when you find yourself looking for a club as a free agent.
A large number of players find themselves in that position this summer, but few have the level of experience possessed by striker Ade Akinbiyi.
Released by Notts County on the back of a title winning campaign in League Two, Akinbiyi is in relaxed mood as his ‘search’ for a club is anything but strenuous. The veteran talks to Givemefootball about future career plans, working under Sven-Goran Erikson and his time in the MLS.
Q: You have had a rollercoaster career, playing for 13 clubs over a 17-year period. Are you still hungry to play?
A: I’m still interested in playing football, and if the opportunity arose then I’m willing to listen to offers. There might be another year or so left in me.
I’m not one to turn my nose up at any opportunities, and if I was asked to go down and take a look at a club on a trial-type basis then I’d be glad to do that. I’m happy to speak to anyone.
That said, I’m not ringing my agent every day asking him to chase up for me. If people want me, I’m available and they can come and find me. If not, then I’m happy to continue working on my business project.
Q: Is this business project something that you’re looking to move into after football then?
A: Absolutely. My business partner and I have been working on an idea for eight months to a year now and it’s something that I will be looking into doing after my career in football.
The idea is to help both players and ex-players alike with the things that they need. This can be anything from property to holidays, and we would look to provide the players with discounts and general benefits.
Q: You were released by Notts County this summer after a whirlwind period at the club – what was life like at the champions?
A: When I arrived, I didn’t know too much about the situation and what was happening, but it was great fun when I got there. Sometimes things would get out of control, what with the media frenzy surrounding Sven, but it was an interesting experience.
Sven was an amazing manager, one of the best I’ve worked with. His knowledge and dedication was superb, and you’d see him at the club on a Sunday morning watching the U11 side when he obviously didn’t have to be there. He clearly loves his football.
Q: You came to County on the back of time with the Houston Dynamos in America. What was that experience like?
A: I had an interesting time in the MLS, and whilst the standard of football isn’t any better than what I’ve played in during my career, it’s definitely improving.
The whole David Beckham thing has had an impact, and with Thierry Henry going there it shows that they are willing to invest. The issue of contracts is a little different, and something they might need to look into in the future, but it was fun.
With lots of travelling and different climates at every game you play, it can be quite difficult to get into a rhythm. But, I know lots of players who are thinking about going over there at the later stages of their career, so that obviously isn’t putting people off.
Q: To close, you made your debut for Norwich City against Bayern Munich in 1993, and have since played for Nigeria as well as in the Premier League. What was the highlight?
A: You know, just playing football is the ‘highlight’ of my career. I’ve had some great moments, but I wouldn’t pick just one out of my time in the professional game.
Earning money doing something you love, like playing football, should never be taken for granted and is something you can tell the kids about. It’s something you can aspire too, and should be taken seriously if you believe you can have a career as a professional.
