Future looking bleak for unwanted Rodgers and Steer

Arsenal defenders Rene Steer and Paul Rodgers are facing the prospect of being without a club at the end of the season once their contracts with the Gunners’ expire.

Both players were part of the Carling Cup squad against Burnley, with Rodgers playing 45 minutes and Steer remaining on the bench. However, the pair are no longer wanted by Arsenal and have been given the chance to make a career elsewhere by being handed trials at other clubs. Rodgers failed a trial at Nottingham Forest earlier in the season and was rejected by Watford last month, whilst Steer has suffered similar misfortune with Cheltenham and Premier League side West Brom.

Abu Ogogo and James Dunne are two other players who are not needed by the club. However, they have both earned themselves short-term loans at Barnet and Forest respectively.

Rodgers and Steer signed scholarship contracts in 2006 before turning pro a year later. They were both involved in the FA Youth Cup run to the semi-finals in 2007 and looked as if they would have a bright future in the game. Their contracts expire on June 30th 2009 and, unless they can mount a serious case for themselves in the Reserves before then, they may see their dream of making it as a respected footballer crumble before their very eyes.