Frustrated Rodgers fails Watford trial

Arsenal defender Paul Rodgers has suffered another setback in his attempt to earn a contract at another club. Rodgers, 19, has failed a trial at fellow London side Watford, whose training ground is situated just next to the Gunners’ and has now made the ludicrously short journey back to London Colney.

Rodgers’ failure to win a contract with the Hornets is a blow to the Edmonton-born defender, who failed a similar trial at Nottingham Forest just last month. Rodgers spent time at the City Ground along with fellow Gunners Abu Ogogo and James Dunne, with only the later being taken on by Forest. Ogogo is currently on loan at Barnet in League Two, whilst Rene Steer, who has also been told he can leave the club, is currently a substitute for the Reserves after failing a trial at Cheltenham.

Meanwhile, the Reserves have been keeping their fitness up with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in a behind closed doors friendly match at the training ground yesterday. The Gunners fielded several players who are likely to feature in next week’s Carling Cup trip to Burnley.