Ex-Bradford and Millwall defender considered retirement after unsuccessful Portsmouth trial

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Summer triallist James Meredith admitted he considered retirement after failing to win a Pompey deal.

But Kenny Jackett decided against handing Meredith a contract at Fratton Park as he was happy with Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup as his options.

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The ex-Bradford man subsequently returned to his native Australia and joined Perth Glory.

He’s made six appearances during the A-League season and helped his side to a 6-2 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

But at the age of 31, Meredith mulled over hanging up his boots before he was handed a lifeline by Perth.

Speaking to Fox Sports, he said: ‘I had been in England for 15 years and I was seriously considering retirement.

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‘But Tony Popovic called me up and he sold the club to me – what the club is about and the fact they want to win things.

‘Having a look at the team and the facilities I thought it would be a good move to come back and see what I could do.’

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