Frankie Simek did not quite make the grade at Arsenal but his career did not stall after he left the Club.
The versatile American defender initially joined the Arsenal academy on a development contract but decided to move back to home city St. Louis for his high school football.
Simek returned to the Club as a scholar before making his breakthrough into the reserves soon after. He captained the second string on numerous occasions but struggled to make the next step into the first team.
The defender started his only senior game in the 5-1 League Cup victory over Wolves in which another academy hopeful, Cesc Fabregas, became Arsenal's youngest ever goalscorer.
Brief loan spells with QPR and Bournemouth followed before Simek moved to Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer in summer 2005. He made over 120 appearances there and earned international recognition with the United States.
Frankie joined League One outfit Carlisle in summer 2010.
Frankie Simek
