The Power Of Agents, American Takeovers & Negotiating With Brian Clough
Dec 22, 2023
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Gary, Alan and Micah speak to Jon Holmes, Gary's agent of 45 years, to have an in-depth look at the life of a football agent. They discuss the power of agents in football, American takeovers of English clubs, and Brian Clough's negotiating techniques.
Building long-term relationships and mentoring players are crucial aspects of being a football agent.
The influx of American owners in English football and the influence of agents have raised concerns about the emotional connection and ethics in the sport.
Deep dives
John Holmes: A Pioneer Football Agent
John Holmes, one of the first football agents, discusses his journey as an agent and his involvement in the early days of the profession. Inspired by American sports agent Mark McCormack, Holmes saw the potential in representing athletes as brands. He convinced a businessman to back him, and his first client was legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton, whom he looked after for 21 years. Holmes also worked with players like David Gower and Gary Lineker, and emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships with players, mentoring and guiding them throughout their careers. He shares anecdotes about his experiences with Brian Clough and talks about his concerns regarding the modern agent landscape.
The Evolution of Football and Club Ownership
Holmes reflects on how football has changed over the years, both on and off the pitch. He discusses the role of American owners in the Premier League and acknowledges that while American sport is well-administered, the influx of American owners in English football raises concerns. Holmes believes that the focus on money in football has led to a loss of the emotional connection fans once had with their clubs. He also comments on the growing influence of agents, expressing concerns about their representation of players and their potential conflicts of interest when representing both buying and selling clubs. Holmes stresses the importance of mentoring young players and making informed decisions about their career moves.
Agent Ethics and Long-Term Relationships
Holmes shares insights into his ethical approach as an agent, prioritizing the long-term development of players over short-term gains. He highlights the importance of mentors for young players, providing guidance beyond contract negotiations. Holmes discusses his close relationship with Gary Lineker, mentoring him throughout his career and encouraging his development as a broadcaster. He also addresses the concerns around modern-day agents, noting the excessive number of agents in the industry and the potential exploitation of young players. Holmes emphasizes the need for agents to prioritize the players' best interests and suggests that ethics and intentions should be more important than exams and regulations.
Interrupting Speeches and Overrunning TV Programs
The podcast hosts discuss some behind-the-scenes moments from the recent Sports Personality of the Year event, particularly Gabby Logan's challenges as a presenter. They reflect on the difficult task of interrupting long speeches to prevent program overruns. Gary Lineker shares his experience when Pelle received a special award and went on a long speech, and Lineker, refusing to interrupt the football legend, allowed him to speak. They highlight the importance of timing and handling such situations delicately, prioritizing the respect and significance of the speaker's words over program schedules.
How do we take some of the power away from agents in the world of football? Why are there so many American takeovers of English clubs? What were Brian Clough’s secret negotiating techniques?
Gary, Alan and Micah speak to Jon Holmes, Gary’s agent of 45 years, to have an in-depth look at the life of a football agent.
