If life was meant to be equal then we have got it all wrong. Quite rightly, too. If we all earned the same money from different jobs and everything was equal it would be an extremely boring world to live in. It's dog eat dog - always has been, always will be.

Some people make it to the pinnacle of their chosen field and others stop halfway, contented with what they have and what they have achieved. As long as they are happy, then its OK.

To get to the top of the ladder in any profession takes long hours, a gruelling schedule and commitment. In the modern era of football the money is astronomical at the top. If you are good enough and sensible with your money, you will be set for life. It's a short career in comparison to so-called "ordinary jobs". At least that was the argument when players' wages started to become significantly higher than those in any other job.

'It's a very different world in which you are under the microscope every day. Would we like our every move scrutinised, our every act of minor folly spread all over the front pages?'


With the commercial interests, coupled with money from massive television deals and sponsors, football steadily grew into what it is today. Money was to be generated everywhere and agents representing their clients changed the way in which clubs dealt with players.

In the 80s and early 90s it was still the norm for the manager of a club to handle contractual matters. Indeed, even Tony Adams left most of his dealings up to George Graham and his own father.

The vultures were already circling by this point and could see the riches that could be made for footballer and agent. The middle men. Footballers didn't need to concern themselves with such matters as long as their agent received his share.