Savage reveals secret of escapology

With the close of the transfer window looming and a host of malcontent Premier League players still held captive at their clubs, Robbie Savage has stepped up to advise want-away stars on pushing through the move of their dreams.

Savage played with seven clubs during his career, so knows his onions when it comes to agitating for a move.

In 2005, he submitted a transfer request to Birmingham so he could relocate closer to his parents’ home in Wrexham — before signing for Blackburn, which was further away.

In a piece for BBC Sport, however, Savage insists faking injury is still the best route to escape, although modern medicine means more care is required.

“It used to be so easy to fake an injury, but that has changed now. If you get an injury, you are usually seen by a physiotherapist and have a scan within an hour.

“You can’t kid people as easily, but you can still fake a niggle — and they can last for ages. When you feign an injury, there is no need to limp or playact. Just say you’re not right.”

Next step is a word in the ear of your media chums.

“I’ve called newspaper reporters I was close to and asked them to link me with this team or that team, even when I knew it wasn’t true. It helped get my name out there and flush out possible interest.”

But even a man as fond of himself as Robbie knew where the line had to be drawn: “You have to be realistic, of course. There was no point linking myself with Real Madrid because everybody would know that would be a lie!”

If the gaffer is still being difficult, some more creative measures may be required.

“When I wanted to put pressure on one manager, I arranged for a camera crew to meet me at the training ground when I knew everyone was enjoying a day off. I wanted to give the impression I was being forced to train on my own. Physiotherapists, coaching staff, canteen workers and secretaries are all capable of reporting back to the manager, so if you want to create a stir, have a moan when these people are in ear shot.”

If the more subtle approach isn’t working, Savage insists a plain old sulk usually gets results. “I came across it all the time when I was a player and at times I could be one of the worst offenders because I couldn’t hide my emotions.”

For a sulk to work best, Robbie reckons you must become as negative an influence as possible.

“Any player can cause havoc in the changing room or out on the training pitch. You just need a bad attitude. It doesn’t matter what it is, do it badly and you soon get a reputation the manager cannot ignore.”

A noted custodian of the game’s values, only under extreme provocation will Robbie extend his sulk into the weekend.

“It can be hard to do, but one sure way of losing the manager’s backing is by not giving 100% in a match. I only did it once and I’m not proud of my actions, but it felt like it was the only avenue left open to me.

“That was the point at which the manager knew he had lost me.”

Moyesy, AVB, B-Rod and company; consider yourselves warned.