Back in the old routine

SEAN GREGAN has experienced at first hand how precarious the life of a professional footballer can be.

Five weeks after having the door shut on his Boundary Park career — manager Dave Penney informed him that he was being released — the 34-year-old defender suddenly saw it open again.

Gregan was stunned to receive a telephone call from the Athletic chief inviting him back into the fold.

“What has happened shows that nothing should surprise you in football,” explained Gregan. “It was a weird situation, but I am glad it has been sorted out.”

Gregan had been hoping his commanding displays in the second half of the campaign would be good enough to earn him a chance to remain at Athletic.

Caretaker manager Joe Royle, who was in charge for the last nine games, was impressed with his performances and recommended that he should be awarded a fresh deal.

Gregan said: “When there was talk about a new contract at the back end of the season, when Joe Royle was here, I made it clear then I would be happy to stay.

“I was disappointed to be released because I thought I had done enough to warrant a new deal.

“It was a surprise, therefore, to receive a call from the manager inviting me in for a chat. He told me the originally decision was made simply for financial reasons.

“When we spoke I was willing to take a pay cut. I am happy to be back and delighted that everything has been sorted out.”

Gregan admitted it has been an unsettling summer as, for the first time in his long career, he had found himself out of work.

He had attracted interest from a number of clubs but with no offer of a deal.

Gregan went on: “It was a strange summer. At my age, it was tough as I did not know what the future held.

“But coming back here is ideal. My kids live nearby and I can stay close to them. I also know the players and the club having been here for two-and-a-half years.”

Gregan admitted in some ways it was like arriving at a new club, with a new management team of Penney, Martin Gray and Andy Collett in place as well as an influx of new signings.

He said: “This sort of thing happens nearly every pre-season at clubs so it is not unusual.

“There have been a lot of changes but, by the same token, there are still a lot of players here from last season.”

Gregan said that the players have enjoyed the training methods employed by the new hierarchy.

He explained: “It is always hard work, especially in the heat we had early on in pre-season, but we have done different things and it has been enjoyable.”

Gregan was disappointed with the way Athletic’s season fell apart in the second half of the 2008/09 campaign.

But he says he can detect exciting times ahead, and believes they can put those setbacks firmly behind them.

Gregan reckons Coca-Cola League One could be one of the most competitive divisions for many years.

He points to Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton Athletic, three teams who not along ago graced the Premier League, as proof.

Gregan said: “When you look at those sides and the fact Leeds, MK Dons and Millwall are still here, it will be a tough division.

“There are some big grounds and big crowds and it will be a great experience, especially for the younger players who haven’t appeared on such stages before.

“The same applies to me because, with no disrespect to the likes of Accrington and Morecambe, I would much rather be playing at the likes of Norwich, Southampton and Leeds.”