Ravel Morrison and Carl Jenkinson were among the familar names in the squad (Image: GETTY)
A team of free agents, which included former Manchester United and Arsenal players, took part in a showcase match against Cambridge United on Tuesday afternoon. The game was set up by the PFA in an attempt to help out-of-contract players find clubs for the new season.
A number of recognisable names, such as former United prospect Ravel Morrison, were included in the 18-player squad. Morrison has been without a club since his release from MLS outfit DC United last year but is looking for a route back into the professional game.
Carl Jenkinson, who played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2019, also took part in the behind-closed-doors fixture. The 32-year-old left Newcastle Jets earlier this summer and is on the hunt for a new club, but there have been no takers as of yet.
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Others, such as former Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle and ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector, were named in the squad alongside a host of players with experience at all levels of the EFL.
Scouts from various clubs were invited to attend the fixture as part of the PFA's initiative to help unemployed players earn contracts. This summer, the organisation put on a 10-week training camp for free agents to ensure they are ready for the upcoming campaign.
Several of those who featured in previous PFA squads, including the likes of Offrande Zanzala, Aiden O'Brien and Omar Bogle, have already found new clubs. Registration was open to players who held contracts in the Premier League, EFL or WSL last season.
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The scheme was recently praised by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who told the PFA website: "This is a great initiative from the PFA and one I think will help a lot of players. It can be a really tough time for players if they’ve been released or are looking for a new club, especially lower down the pyramid.
"I’ve played and managed at that level and there’s not a lot of long-term security. We’re all lucky to be involved in the game but when you have that uncertainty it doesn’t just impact you but your family too.
"You’ve got a lot to think about in terms of where you’re living, your kids being in school, all these things. When pre-season starts in clubs that can be when it begins to feel real for those who maybe haven’t got a new deal yet. They’ll suddenly feel like they are on the outside looking in.
"You can try to do a lot of the work yourself, but that can be mentally tough. There’s no substitute for being around other players and having that structured football environment where you’re being pushed."
