FORMER Wanderer Gary Parkinson, released by Blackpool, is one of many players this close season with some soul-searching to do.

Looking to the future he said: "Whether or not another Nationwide League club will give a contract to a 34-year-old is debatable.

"There are many of us in a similar boat.

"I have had a good career in football and made some money down the years, but not enough to sit back on.

"I need to earn a decent living and hopefully something in football crops up.

"But if not I will seriously have to consider exploring other avenues."

The defender joined the Wanderers in March 1993 after making over 200 appearances for Middlesbrough after arriving from Everton's junior side.

He linked up with old Boro boss, Bruce Rioch, at Burnden Park but only made a handful of appearances before moving to Burnley.

He played in over 150 games for the Turf Moor outfit and then Preston in 1997. He joined Blackpool last season and started in 22 games.