I'd lost my way in football, waiting for it to happen and trying to chase where I'd been Matt Jansen

Former Premier League striker Matt Jansen says he hopes his move to Wrexham will help overcome his psychological problems with football.

The ex-Blackburn man, 31, joined the Blue Square Premier team on Thursday on a game-by-game basis.

He has played for a host of clubs, but his football has been limited since a serious motorcycle crash in 2002.

"I got disillusioned and had an 18-month break as I was frustrated trying to get back to where I was," he said.

"People were saying that I was playing well, but I didn't believe it myself, it was a psychological problem I had.

"[Wrexham manager Dean Saunders said that] in a less pressured environment he hopes I can get back to enjoying football, get out of the house and stop doing the missus' head in!"

With six caps for England at Under-21 level, Jansen started his career with hometown club Carlisle United.

I'm excited by the challenge, I'll take it one game at a time and give it my best shot Matt Jansen

He has also played for Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, as well as a loan spell with Coventry City.

Jansen developed other business interests after his accident, but never ruled out a return to professional football.

Last November, Blackburn announced that Jansen would return in a casual agreement to help regain fitness in a bid to have one last go at a comeback.

Having trained with the club for two months, he left Brockhall with the arrival of new manager Sam Allardyce.

Last month, he joined League One club Huddersfield Town on trial and was given a run-out in their reserve match against Rotherham United, scoring the opening goal in a 2-2 draw.

"All I want to do is start enjoying myself again," Jansen told BBC Sport Wales.

"I've always loved football and played since I could run.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Wrexham signing Matt Jansen

"But I'd lost my way in football, waiting for it to happen and trying to chase where I'd been, my confidence was shattered.

"I knew Deano [Saunders] from my Blackburn days, he knew about me and what I'd been through and asked if I'd come and help him out.

"I'm excited by the challenge, I'll take it one game at a time and give it my best shot.

"I don't know how my match fitness will be, I'll take it game by game and hopefully it will get better.

"Wrexham are pushing for the play-offs, there are 13 games left and a lot of points up for grabs - we'll give it our best shot."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version