Four English Free Agents who could make an impact in the Non-League
The transfer window may have slammed shut over two weeks ago, but teams can still sign players who are free agents, providing that they’ve not played for more than two clubs during the season.
Here’s a list of four players that could potentially be a choice to bolster our non-league sides and I will closely select between Hartlepool, Gateshead and Darlington to who I think these players would suit most.
The first player who is out of work is former Watford, Millwall and Leyton Orient striker Darius Henderson.
The 36-year-old has bags of experience under his belt, but has been without contract since his move to Eastleigh that saw him get just three appearances to his name.
After starting his career with Reading, his most successful campaign came under Aidy Boothroyd’s Watford, playing an important role in getting the Hornets to the premiership back in the 2005-06 season.
He’s also played up and down the football league including teams like Milwall, Scunthorpe United, Coventry City and Mansfield Town.
Henderson recently has been recently spotted playing for Semi-Professional club Atletico Rec down in Doncaster, so a move to northern side Darlington could be a signing worth taking note of if he fancied a run in the National League North.
A player known for his ability in the air, it could allow a second option and squad depth for Martin Grey’s Quakers that could see a fine replacement since the departure of fellow big man Mark Beck who left in November for promotion rivals Harrogate.
A second well known name that is looking for work is former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
Former West Ham United and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker had a year and half out of football before he decided upon taking a bold move to the Norwegian second professional league which didn’t go to plan, with his contract being terminated just a month after his signing.
Reo-Coker has not played in any English football since declining a contract extension at Ipswich Town back in 2013, and potentially the top tier of Non-League Football could spur on not only his playing career but also a potential move for a coaching role.
Gateshead’s midfield has been one of the main issues surrounding their current mid table season with a lack of leadership and veteran qualities on the pitch, and a player with experience in the top flight could finally spur on the Heed’s push to the football league after ten years since they were promoted from the National League North.
Another former Premier League star and the first player to ever play professionally with an electronic tag on, Jermain Pennant, is available after departing Billericay Town earlier this season.
The Nottingham born winger has had one of heck of career, from moves all over England to even cramping a season in the Singaporean S-League with Tampine Rovers which to some people’s surprise was actually not half bad, netting in five goals in twenty one appearances.
After recently yo-yoing back and forth at Billericay Town, just a week ago, the player had left the Southern side after apparently failing to win over supporters.
Since the Pools departed with star player Nathan Thomas to Sheffield United, a winger of such high calibre, who’s also willing to take pay cuts, could be an answer not only to Hartlepool’s season but also to attract supporters with such a big name at the club that could bring in funding to save the clubs devastating financial issues.
But the question does stand whether Jermaine Pennant would be willing to do what he did for Billericay as Hartlepool wouldn’t be in any position to pay out a boat load of funding on a player who would benefit for no more than a couple of seasons.
Finally a familiar face in the football league is available on a free transfer, Ishmael Miller.
Former Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield forward Ishmael Miller last signed for Bury but only notched up three appearances to his belt after yet again more injury problems.
The striker has had a reputation of failing to produce goals wherever he has played and often is used as the role of a substitute when outfitted at a club.
But the 30 year old ex-Manchester City youngster has never played in non-league football and a revival could be on the horizon if he was selected as an option by either of the two teams in the North East.
In terms of his age, Miller still has a few years available if he can manage to keep himself fit and producing goals in the National League could not only benefit either of our two clubs but also gift himself a better reputation to close down his career on a high.
Credit to The Daily Mail, Sky Sports, Daily Express and Sky Sports for the imagery used in this article.