Luzhny joins list of unwanted

OLEG LUZHNY was today looking for a new club after Arsenal made the decision not to renew his contract.

The 34-year-old, a pounds 1.8million signing from Dynamo Kiev in 1999, featured on a list of 586 out-of-contract Premiership and Football League players which was released today.

The list consists mainly of players who are being released when their contracts expire at the end of the month. However, there are some, such as Millwall's Steve Claridge and Queens Park Rangers' Gino Padula, who have been offered new terms but are yet to accept.

Other London stars now available include Chelsea's Jody Morris, Tottenham's Steffen Freund, West Ham's Gary Breen, Wimbledon's Michael Hughes and Watford's Tommy Smith.

While the bigger names will have no shortage of offers, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor fears a large minority will struggle to find a new club.

He said: "We could lose as many as a third of the 586. Our job is to try and get them all fixed up - but I'd be pleased if two thirds stayed.

"People are quick to talk about players' salaries but not as eager to look at the other side of it - the insecurity of the profession.

"The majority of players are on one or two-year contracts, particularly in the Football League, so are very insecure and vulnerable.

"And there is a great deal of uncertainty in a lot of households."

THE PREMIERSHIP FREEBIES

Oleg Luzhny, Jermaine Brown

Ben Roberts, John Robinson, Jesper Blomqvist, Robbie Mustoe, Tahar El Khalej

Albert Ferrer, Ed De Goey, Jody Morris, Rhys Evans, Andrew Ross, Jean Anis, Robert Wolleaston, Scott Cousins

John Collins, Bjarne Goldbaek, Dave Shevel, Lucas Cornwall

Teddy Sheringham, Steffen Freund, Alton Therwell, Gavin Kelly

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