Manchester football agent sets up training academy

Sam Stapleton

A Manchester football agent has set up an online training academy to help others seal deals with top-flight players.

Sam Stapleton has been involved in the industry for 15 years with his Star Sports and Entertainment agency.

He is most well known for steering the signing of England ace John Stones from Barnsley to Everton, as well as other notable deals.

But now the 38-year-old – who first started negotiating when he was still a student – is revealing all the tricks of the trade for those who fancy standing in his shoes.

Along with his business partner, Zoran Krneta, he has embarked on his new venture, Football Further – an in-depth series of eight online tested modules, which take around 16 weeks to complete.

Aspiring agents will learn the art of player contracts and negotiations, how to get and keep a client, dealing with the press, as well as all the legal requirements and rules and regulations of the industry.

Sam said: “In 2015 there was a deregulation of agents – that means that no-one has to do an exam anymore – they complete a criminal check, known as the Test of Good Character and Reputation, pay a fee to the FA and they’re off.

“Whilst this can be exciting for ‘wannabe agents’, it can also be daunting and without the right support and training there’s no guarantee of overnight success in the industry.”

He hopes that setting up this course will legitimise the job of agents.

“I’m doing this to make people stand out from the crowd and get rid of the amateurs.

“Being on the course gets you a lot closer to doing your first deal. So many people are paying fees to the FA, yet know little about what the industry is actually like.”

Manchester City season ticket holder Sam says the new style course should attract four different markets: those who have just left school or university; existing young agents; people in sales who are considering swapping careers; and ex-professionals such as former players themselves.

Sam revealed he was nearly talked out of following his beloved career when, as a youngster at a school careers evenings, he was laughed at when he said he wanted to be a football agent, and ended up taking a degree course in sports management at Northumbria University.

“The type of course I needed just wasn’t available back then. I wish there had been as it would have saved me a lot of time, effort and money.

“I ended up leaving the degree and moving to London to do work experience for an agency, whilst working in a bar to pay my rent.”

He said: “Being a football agent is amazing, interesting and rewarding, but as with every business, there are good and bad agents.

“We hope to be providing detailed education to the next breed of accomplished agents.”

The Complete Football Intermediaries Course is set to kick-off on September 1.

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