July 29 2002

Simon Rodger

Paul Newman of the Independent talks to Simon Rodger...

By Paul Newman

Less than six months ago news of Simon Rodger's availability on a free transfer would have sparked a stampede among Nationwide League managers.

The Crystal Palace midfielder has played nearly 300 League matches (all at First Division or Premiership level) and been a key member of two successful First Division promotion campaigns.

A whole- hearted, versatile and combative midfielder, he played some of the best football of his career last season as Palace set the early pace in the First Division, only to fall away in the second half of the campaign.

On Wednesday night, however, Rodger will line up for Palace for the last time as Tottenham Hotspur visit Selhurst Park for the 30-year-old's testimonial match, a chance for the home fans to pay tribute to one of the most popular players in the club's history.

After Wednesday, Rodger has no idea when he will play again. Having been released by Palace at the end of last season, Rodger has joined the rapidly growing ranks of unemployed professional footballers.

Following the collapse of ITV Digital and its 315m television contract towards the end of last season, clubs throughout the Nationwide League have been forced to cut budgets and trim staff.

Rodger's story is no doubt similar to many others throughout the country.

"Palace told me they were releasing me a week after the last game of the season," Rodger said.

"I'd previously been led to believe there would be a new contract for me when my old one ran out this summer. My agent had spoken to Trevor Francis, the manager, and been told I was an important member of the squad and that he would like to give me a new contract. But all that changed.

"Over the summer I've had approaches from a few clubs, but no concrete offers. Most clubs just say they haven't got the money to

take people on: they've spent all their budget already and need to offload players before they take on anybody else.

I think it's going to be a matter of waiting. It may be that I'll have to wait until a few weeks into the season before the right offer comes up. I know I can still do a good job in the First Division, though I'm quite prepared to drop down if I need to. I've got a lot of experience and I feel I've got a few years left in me.

"I know a lot of players in my situation are deeply worried about themselves and their families, but I'm fortunate in that I'm not in

a desperate situation financially.

My wife has a good job and it won't be a case of not being able to pay the mortgage. If necessary I'll drop into part-time football and get a job outside the game.

I'm thinking of developing a career as a personal trainer, using my knowledge and experience as a professional sportsman. When I finish playing I'd like to make a complete break from football."

Rodger joined Palace 12 years ago, moving from Bognor Regis Town for the grand fee of 1,000.00. Apart from brief loan spells at

Manchester City and Stoke in the 1996-97 season, when he was out of favour during Dave Bassett's managerial reign, he has remained loyal to the red and blue shirt. Why are one-club men such a rarity today?

"A lot of it comes down to money," Rodger said. "If players are offered the chance of a move elsewhere on bigger money they tend to

take it. Sometimes it's justified if you're going to a bigger club, but a move for money isn't necessarily best for your career.

I had chances over the years to move to other clubs but I always stayed. Palace have had some excellent managers and coaches over the years and I always felt I could learn from them.

"Steve Coppell was undoubtedly the biggest influence of the lot. He's a brilliant manager. The players always had huge respect for

him. He's a master tactician. He always has a particular plan for particular opponents and brings the best out of people. He's coming

along to my testimonial, which I'm delighted about.

"I felt I was still learning last season and I thought I played well under Steve Bruce [Palace's manager until he left acrimoniously for Birmingham in the middle of last season]. He was another manager the players had utmost respect for - not only for his achievements as a player but for his man-management skills.

"He's a terrific manager. He was one of the first people to phone me when he read that Palace were releasing me and said he couldn't

believe how Palace were letting me go.

"Leaving Palace is a huge wrench. They've been my life for the last 12 years and there's never been a dull moment - it's been full of

ups and downs. They're that sort of club. Everyone loves Palace and the fans have been brilliant. There's been a real bond between the players and the fans because we've gone through a lot together.

"I'm just sorry that it all had to end like this, but I have to get on with it. There are plenty of other players in the same boat this summer and I just have to look to the future."

Simon Rodger testimonial: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur, Selhurst Park, Wednesday 31 July, 8pm

(c) The Independent