Freebie FC

On paper they look a pretty formidable side. There's the Champions League Final hero, a former Republic of Ireland captain, two of the Premiership's all-time leading goalscorers and a Dutch international who's played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. But this is no ordinary side, as all these players, some with glittering careers, are without a club for the 2007/08 season. This is Freebie FC.

Goalkeeper: Jerzy Dudek
Every football fan will remember Istanbul for as long as they live. Liverpool's astonishing fightback from 3-0 down was more suited to Hollywood than the Champions League Final, but the Reds wouldn't have won if it wasn't for two astonishing saves from their Polish goalkeeper, both from Andriy Shevchenko. The first defied logic, as the Ukrainian forward looked destined to smash home from a yard out late on in extra time. Somehow Dudek stuck out both hands and diverted the ball over the bar. The second, from Shevchenko's penalty in the shootout, won the trophy for the Reds.

Right Back: Alessandro Pistone
Never a firm favourite with fans of either Newcastle or Everton during his time at both clubs, nevertheless Pistone enjoyed prolonged runs in the first teams of both. A rugged, no-nonsense Italian defender, he was a regular in David Moyes' plans before an injury-hit 2006/07 saw him fail to kick a ball for the Blues. Now out of contract, he is likely to return to Italy.

Centre Back: Craig Moore
Graeme Souness signed the Australian for Newcastle, taking him from former club Rangers in the summer of 2005. An injury hit two seasons on Tyneside has seen him barely play a part in the Toon's annual struggle against medicrity. Did play a starring role in helping Australia through to the second round of the World Cup last year, but, along with Titus Bramble, became one of the first casualties of Sam Allardyce's rebuilding job this summer.

Centre Back: Kenny Cunningham
Helped his old Republic of Ireland team-mate Roy Keane achieve promotion to the Premiership last season, but despite some impressive performances, and the fact that he was a some-time captain of the side, has now parted company with the club. Could surely still do a good job for a Championship side but his next move remains to be seen, and he could retire.

Left Back: Olivier Bernard
A major attacking threat down the Newcastle left flank during Sir Bobby Robson's time at the club, things turned sour for Bernard after Robson was sacked. First he found himself farmed out to Southampton, where he got relegated. Then a move to Rangers followed, but he rarely featured in the first team, before a shock move back to St. James' Park last January to provide cover for Celestine Babayaro. He rarely featured, and now finds himself without a club with a move to France beckoning.

Right Midfield: Henrik Pedersen
A favourite of Sam Allardyce at Bolton, Pedersen proved a popular player due to his versitily. He played at right back, right midfield and upfront for the first team, and despite brief moments of impressive form, he never really convinced enough to warrant a prolonged run in the side. New boss Sammy Lee doesn't see a future for him at the club, and he may return to his native Denmark.

Centre Midfield: David Thompson
It seems as though everything has gone wrong for Thompson ever since Gerard Houllier booted him out of Liverpool for getting sent off in a reserve game. At the time he was enjoying a good first team career with the Reds and was on the fringes of the England squad, but moves to Coventry, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Bolton, as well as a succession of injuries followed. Still in his late twenties, but is anyone ready to take a punt on his services again?

Centre Midfield: Quinton Fortune
For so long Manchester United's utility man, capable of stepping into into several different positions when everybody else who could possibly play there was unavailable. He moved to Bolton last summer where, inevitably, injuries took their toll restricting his playing time. Little Sam sees no place for the South African in his new squad though, forcing him to look for a new club to go and be injured at.

Left Midfield: Boudewijn Zenden
Started the Champions League Final in Athens just six weeks ago, but now finds himself without a club. Rafa Benitez turned to Zenden to fill his problem left side position in the closing weeks of the season; the Dutchman playing in both legs of the Champions League semi final with former club Chelsea as well. Never overly popular with Reds fans, he's still proved himself as a useful squad player and shouldn't have many problems finding employment with Newcastle, Roma and PSV all reportedly interested.

Striker: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Charlton fans booed Hasselbaink when he came on as substitute in their final game of the season at Anfield, a reflection of the lack of effort they felt he put in during his time at the club. Just days later, and he was released. A striker of proven Premiership pedigree thanks to his efforts with Leeds, Chelsea and Middlesbrough, the Dutchman now finds himself without a club. Will he stay in England? That remains to be seen, but the amount of goals he's struck on these shores will surely persuade someone to snap him up won't it?

Striker: Robbie Fowler
Surely the most surprising member of this side. Arguably the most natural goalscorer of his generation, Fowler was released by Liverpool this summer after his eighteen month reunion came to an end. He still showed old flashes of his brilliance in the last campaign, and at 32 has still got a couple of years at least left in him, so why no offers? The man himself is at a loss to explain and although many clubs, including the Old Firm, have been linked to Liverpool's fifth highest goalscorer of all time, he has yet to decide on his future. Surely a manager somewhere is willing to give him, and the other members of this team a chance. But despite Fowler's glowing reputation, it could be a nervous few weeks ahead for him and many others.