Agents

Agents

Sam Rush, C.E.O - Wasserman Media Group

Sam Rush is the chief operating officer and has responsibility for running Wasserman Media Group's European business. Sam joined WMG, a leading Sports Marketing and Management Company, in 2006 following WMG's acquisition of the SFX sports group. Sam had run SFX since 2003 working with athletes such as David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Jonny Wilkinson, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer and completed some of the highest net worth transfers in football. 

Q. Does a player really need an Agent?

A player certainly needs a representative. Playing contracts and commercial deals are very often multi million pound transactions and it is reckless to undertake such crucial work without expert guidance. Equally, if players are released by clubs or seeking a new opportunity it is critical they seek expert guidance. As we all know, the careers of footballers are short and a wrong move or poorly negotiated contract can haunt players for the rest of their lives.
 

Q. What are the advantages of a big agency? 

Bigger agencies (as long as they are good and reputable) benefit from a greater knowledge pool harnessed from a larger pool of agents. The relationship network is likely to be more developed and some larger agencies have International networks which can assist greatly in creating opportunities for players. A top agency will have a stand alone marketing department to focus on commercial opportunities, in house lawyers to deal with any contractual complexity and support staff to assist with off field life such as booking holidays, restaurants etc...
 

Q. What are the advantages of a small firm?

Big does not necessarily mean better as good agents work independently but there are only so many clients one individual can take on with a finite amount of resources. Ultimately all things being equal a good big 'un beats a good little 'un.
 

Q. When does a player need an Agent?

Agents perform two principle roles (1) negotiating a playing contract for a player as a result of a renegotiation or transfer and (2) securing additional income for the player through off field activities, otherwise known as endorsement deals. Successful agents benefit from a unique market knowledge and possess a relationship network that allow contractual negotiations to progress smoothly as possible. Any player who is undertaking a contractual negotiation, looking for a club or is keen to secure commercial income should utilise the services of an agent. It would be a huge risk for the player not to retain a high quality agent in such circumstances. 
 

Q. Are there too many Agents?

Like any business market forces will determine the number of active agents. In the UK there are over 500 licensed agents but realistically less than 50 are able to earn a full time living.
 

Q. What advice would you give to a young player looking to get signed up?

It is critical to do your research. Please take your off field life as seriously as your playing career. You may only sign half a dozen contracts during your playing career but these will need to sustain you for the rest of your life. Make sure your agent is reputable, well regarded and transparent in his dealings. Look at the other players he looks after. Are they the sort of players you want to be like? Good role models tend to sign with good agents.
 

Q. How important is it that agents are licensed?

Although the licensing regime is changing, at the moment a license means that you are regulated by the FA and there is a degree of protection for the player. Ultimately though it is the overall credentials of the agent that need to be investigated thoroughly. A good agent can make your career, a bad one can wreck it.
 

Q. Is it true that certain clubs only deal with certain agents? Is that fair?

Football is a relationship business and as in any walk of life, people have individuals that they prefer to deal with. However, if you represent a player that a club is interested in and the player makes it clear that the club should only deal through you, then that club will deal with you irrespective of the 'preferred status' of another agent.
 

Q. Many chairmen blame Agents for asking too much and ruining smaller clubs? Is this a fair comment?

Well they wouldn't blame themselves would they! I think agents are easy targets to deflect responsibility when a business has not been run as efficiently as it ought to be.
 

Q. Is the football money bubble about to burst?

Sport is a multi billion pound entertainment industry and its revenues, exposure and interest is only increasing. Football is the premier sport played throughout the world and watched by every part of every society. Clearly, it needs to ensure that it continues to create appeal and to ensure that it remains attractive but run properly it should ensure
wonderful careers for footballers and agents for many years to come.