Big variations in payments to agents

There are big variations in the payments that clubs in the Football League make to agents, according to a report on such payments in the 2012-13 season from the league. The overall level of payments was very similar to the previous season: £21.5m against £21.7m, although the decline looks more impressive if one factors in inflation (which reports on football never seem to do).

There are big variations in the payments that clubs in the Football League make to agents, according to a report on such payments in the 2012-13 season from the league. The overall level of payments was very similar to the previous season: £21.5m against £21.7m, although the decline looks more impressive if one factors in inflation (which reports on football never seem to do).

Agents were paid in 776 transactions which represents 21.5 per cent of the total. However, one has to remember that the overall figure includes all transactions, some of which are less likely to involve an agent such as contract cancellations. 86 per cent of the total was spent by Championship clubs.

Seven clubs did not pay any fees to agents, including Blackpool in the Championship. The others were: Hartlepool United, Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Morecambe, Barnet (since relegated) and Crewe Alexandra. However, Blackburn Rovers, who had a global football adviser to assist them, splashed out nearly £3.6m, not far short of one fifth of the total for the Championship.