O'Leary 'not shocked' by agent accusation

David O’Leary admits he is “not shocked” by Mike Newell’s allegations about agents and alleged ‘bung’ payments to managers.

The Football Association have asked Luton manager Newell to provide evidence and name names following his outspoken comments this week.

However Aston Villa boss O’Leary claims it is a few agents who “will give the rest a bad name”.

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’.

“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 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.

“I have seen four agents mentioned and I’ve dealt with them all and think they are absolutely excellent.

“One of them is Michael Kennedy, who will not like being called an agent as he is a solicitor. He has looked after me for 28 years.

“He is such a reputable man that he would not be involved in anything untoward. He would simply walk away.

“There are a few, however, who will give the rest a bad name.

“But agents are here to stay. Agents are a big part of the game and they control the players. They decide where the player goes. Most do a really good job.

“Saying that it was a lot easier when they were not in the game but they are and they control a lot of players.

“I am therefore not shocked by the headlines as the rumours have been flying around for years.

“The George Graham case at Arsenal shocked us all at the time but I’m not shocked now.

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

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has also backed Newell’s decision to reveal that bungs are rife in football.

The Luton manager also claimed he was offered a bribe but McCarthy added: “He’s not talking about me!

“I have never seen it, I have never been offered and never been asked. If he has got something to tell, then he should tell the authorities when he sees them next week.

“People talk about there is something wrong with agents but players have had representatives who look after them for years.

“I have never had a problem with them and I have never seen anything untowards.”