It’s only a matter of time – we hope – until some mild-mannered chairman or manager flips his lid and squeezes a blood-sucking agent firmly by the neck.

Apparently, it almost happened last week when Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson was driven to distraction by Stewart Downing’s representative, Ian Elliott.

Now, we’re sure Mr Elliott is a decent bloke with only the financial interests of his overrated client – not to mention himself – at heart.

'Isn’t it about time Downing just signed the bloody contract that will tie him to the Riverside for five more years?'


But isn’t it about time Downing just signed the bloody contract that will tie him to the Riverside for five more years? Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is no doubt looking on with mild amusement and £10m in case the saga all ends in tears.

Downing himself is quoted in various papers as saying: "The contract is all agreed but there are still some things to iron out."

Like the escape clause, no doubt.