Uncertainty in game will see players leave football – Anderson

Steven Anderson reckons he is one of the lucky ones after insisting the ongoing legal battle engulfing Scottish football is ruining the senior game.

Anderson, 34, has penned a two-year deal with Forfar Athletic and admits the security offered was a major factor in him making the switch to Station Park.

The St Johnstone legend initially seemed set to remain in full-time football with Raith Rovers after enjoying a successful loan spell last term, but the Fifers’ role in the arbitration fight between Hearts and Partick Thistle and the SPFL put paid to that.

And Anderson is adamant the uncertainty ravaging clubs will result in more players following Paul Paton, Kallum Higginbotham and Gregg Wylde to the Lowland League – or see them drop out of the game altogether.

Anderson said: “A lot of people see life as a footballer as a glamorous job.

“They look at England and think that’s it.

“But, the reality is nothing like that up here.

“You look at the court case and everything that has followed that and, although everyone is doing what they think is right, I feel like they are mucking about with peoples’ careers and the future of clubs.

“It is ruining the game up here to an extent and more players are saying ‘I need to look for something else’.

“That’s why Lowland League teams are able to pick up such talented players.

“They know the money they are going to get won’t be much more in full-time football compared to part-time, if they get another job.

“When we get to the end of July and the end of furlough there is going to be mass unemployment among players – and a lot of them are right good players who, without everything going on, would get something no bother.

“That’s why a two-year deal at Forfar at my age is great for security.

“I still believe I could comfortably play at Championship level but, when you look at the whole picture, part-time football is the way to go for me.”

Anderson revealed that his move to Forfar has been years in the making.

Former boss Jim Weir made several attempts to bring him to Station Park before current manager Stuart Malcolm finally sealed the deal in the wake of his St Johnstone departure.

He continued: “Forfar have been interested in me for a few years now and Stuart Malcolm was on the phone to me really early doors.

“We spoke at length and I got a really good feeling about it.

“Jim Weir, the previous manager, knew me really well and he tried to bring me here a couple of times.

“Thankfully the board didn’t hold a grudge that I said no.

“I’ve heard great things from John Baird, who played here, and I know (first-team coach) Martyn Fotheringham really well so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

A League One title winner with Rovers last term, Anderson concedes that the idea of repeating that feat in a division which includes Falkirk and Partick Thistle may be fanciful.

Nevertheless, he will approach next season with lofty aspirations.

He said: “The ambition is to get into the play-off positions.

“Winning the league might be outwith our depth, given we have two full-time teams in the league, but you never know.”

Picture: SNS.