UNEMPLOYMENT is mentally tough, but Paul Caddis was willing to play the waiting game with Richie Wellens and consequently snubbed offers elsewhere in hope that Swindon Town would come calling for him.

Of course, we now know the above dream became reality after the club on Friday night confirmed the 31-year-old fans’ favourite had signed a short-term deal at SN1 off the back of Dion Donohue’s departure.

Caddis had actually been training at Town’s Beversbrook Sports Facility for free throughout October amid his search for unemployment.

But the Scotsman moved back to his homeland earlier this month when Wellens confirmed no additional wage budget was available to his disposal.

Fast forward a fortnight, and Caddis quickly found himself scrambling to find a ninth house in 11 years to live in after his services were called for.

“I’ve been to a few different clubs, and I’ve been offered different things,” said Caddis.

“But I was aware about Swindon – even though I knew something might not happen until January. I always had it in the back of my head that Swindon was where I wanted to be.

“I have a good relationship with the fans and club, and I want that to happen again. I wanted to cling on in hope I could sign for Swindon.

“But there would come a time where I couldn’t wait much longer – so I moved back to Scotland because of it.

“It’s sods law, isn’t it? I had just moved back home, but now I’m here – though I’m delighted.

“I’ve constantly rented, I’ve never bought a house. Football is a unique sport - windows open every six months you could be on the move twice a year.”

Caddis himself admits the last six months have been mentally testing.

Twenty-nine appearances at Bradford City went without further reward as he was released from his contract in the summer following the Bantams’ relegation to League Two.

In three years, he had gone from a Championship regular for Birmingham City to having no team at all.

Yet the versatile defender is only 31, something he underlined after Swindon’s win at Salford on Saturday.

He added: “I’ve not had a club for five months, and it’s like any job – things are difficult when the wages aren’t coming in.

“It’s mentally tough and the frustrating thing is my age. Clubs wonder if to take a gamble, but I’m 31, not 51.

“I’ve got a half decent career behind me, but I’m grateful to Richie (Wellens). He was happy with me in training and I’m delighted to be here.”