Agents criticise Newell over bung culture comments

LEADING football agents were last night unanimous in their criticism of Luton manager Mike Newell following his claims a bung culture remained rife in the game - which they described as a "disgraceful practice."

Under their own initiative, the likes of Stella Group's Jonathan Barnett, Jerome Anderson of the SEM Group, First Artists' John Smith and the Formation Group, as well as prominent lawyer Graham Shear, have come together to form the Football Agents Association, which aims to act as a self-regulatory organisation and in full co-operation with the game's governing bodies.

And following their meeting in central London yesterday, which had been initiated to discuss the new regulations brought in at the turn of the year, they issued a joint statement in which they set out some of their plans for the future as well defending their profession against the claims of the Luton manager.

The statement read: "As representatives of the most established and experienced football agencies, we have for the last six months been working with the Premier League to create and develop a structure to be known as the Football Agents Association which would assist with the self-regulation of agents in conjunction with the Premier League.

"We were meeting today to discuss the new FA regulations on agents and to move forward with the process of development of an effective system of rules for the betterment of football generally. It was with great concern that we read comments made by Mike Newell and heard his views on the radio alleging that 'bungs' are rife in football and that agents generally are active in this disgraceful practice.

"So far as we are aware Mr Newell has not named the individuals to whom these allegations are intended to refer, but his comments as they stand cast aspersions over the whole role of agents and indeed licensed agents generally, and are by implication defamatory.

"As far as we are aware his assertions are without foundation and we welcome an investigation by the FA with which we would be happy to co-operate."

FA officials will meet with Newell next week to discuss his allegations and the issues they raise, with the FA intimating they would welcome any rogue agents to be brought to task.

Newell maintains he will name names when he meets with the FA, pledging to "dig out" the club officials and agents who offered him 'sweeteners'.

The 40-year-old former Everton and Blackburn striker - who has never had an agent - insisted he would gladly back up his words with facts.

Newell said: "I have been offered sweeteners by agents and certain club officials to sell players from this club. I always say I am not interested and I never give it a minute's thought.

"I have no problem substantiating what I have said. I received a fax from the FA this morning, and I am quite happy to meet people and talk to them. I can back up everything I have said, and I can sleep well at night."