Former Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City and Southampton attacker is in 'mentally challenging' time
A recently released Sheffield Wednesday attacker has detailed how he is coming through a ‘mentally challenging’ time in his career as his wait for a new club continues.
Former England international Nathan Redmond arrived to Middlewood Road a few months into the season in a double free agent signing alongside Liam Cooper. After a trial period the ex-Premier League figure was signed to a short-term contract though amid injury struggles he was released as his deal ended in January.
The 32-year-old has led a distinguished career, making top tier appearances for the likes of Norwich City, Southampton, Burnley and Turkish side Besiktas having burst onto the scene as a teenager with Birmingham City. His Owls stint was limited to seven substitute appearances before his departure.
Redmond remains on the lookout for a new club and has taken to training alone in an effort to maintain his fitness as and when the next opportunity arises. Posting to social media platform LinkedIn, the attacker showed an image of his boots and a water bottle looking out on a non-league ground.
He said: “Having the mental attitude to perform and compete in front of 30,000 people some would say is difficult, but it never was for me. Having to perform and compete in front of your peers and staff alike Monday to Friday was an opportunity relished at every moment. I knew going into the free agency market that the scenario I’ve been in was always a possibility - but did I think it would be this mentally challenging? Not at all.
“The image you see is the image I see five times a week. No noise, no staff, no fans; just the grass, cones, a couple of balls and my own mental state. Rain, sleet, snow, sunshine - here I will be! Once the ball work and running is done, it’s straight into the gym to maintain the physical aspect to be ready for whatever opportunity or phone call could come.
“The point of this post is to say that, mentally I have far surpassed what I thought I was capable of. The fight to know that I still have so much more to give the game. The desire and hunger is still well and truly alive - some exciting things are happening and will continue to happen in the future - but you don’t have to get ready, if you stay ready.”