Premiership bosses support Newell

PREMIERSHIP managers have backed Mike Newell for speaking out against transfer bungs within the game, although some - including Alex Ferguson - believe a lack of evidence could hinder an investigation.

Luton boss Newell will meet Football Association officials next week after suggesting the game is still rife with improper conduct during transfers, voicing his frustration at agents who do not follow guidelines.

FA officials will ask Newell to provide evidence and name names following his outspoken comments this week, although proving any wrongdoing could be a problem.

Manchester United manager Ferguson said: “It is the usual thing. How do you prove these things? The FA have probably got more files on it than Mike Newell I am sure.”

Aston Villa boss David O’Leary also feels there will be difficulty in proving the allegations.

He said: “It is making sensational headlines - but these rumours have been around for a long time. We have an inquiry and at the end, all they say is ‘nothing can be substantiated’.”

O’Leary is one of a host of managers who revealed how it is club officials who deal with transfer negotiations after a player has been targeted.

“I think there are good agents around and the way I’ve always done it - when I want I player and I have the money available - is to tell the chairman,” the former Leeds boss added.

“The agent and player comes to the ground and do the deal with me not being involved.

“At Leeds I would get a call from an agent, the club would do the deal and they would give the agent whatever commission had been agreed.”

He added: “Personally, I pass on all signings to other people and do not leave myself open to anything.”

Newcastle counterpart Graeme Souness offered up a similar response: “The transfer business is something that at most clubs today the chairman and the chief executive deal with.”

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren admitted being wary of being in the company of agents for fear how the situation could be interpreted.

McClaren said: “In my four years here, I’ve never been anywhere near a bung - I wouldn’t buy an agent a cup of tea because you never know what trouble that might cause.”

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy backed Newell’s decision to speak out, but has not seen a problem himself, while Charlton's Alan Curbishley called on the authorities to take action if the evidence was strong enough.