Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Agent touted Bartley by text message
EDDIE Mitchell has questioned the role of football agents after Marvin Bartley was apparently hawked by text message to a host of Championship clubs.[LNB] Bartley's availability was allegedly circulated by a representative claiming to look after his affairs as the transfer window drew to a close earlier this week.[LNB] The midfielder subsequently reunited with former Cherries boss Eddie Howe at Burnley, although his signing was not thought to have been prompted by the message.[LNB] It is understood the text was sent by an agent who was not officially contracted to Bartley, even though the player may have asked him to act on his behalf.[LNB] Licensed agents must submit to the Football Association a representation contract for each player they look after, which the player will sign and be bound by.[LNB] And while hijacking deals and touting players not in their stable is nothing new, the FA takes a dim view of the practice and it can lead to legal action between players and agents.[LNB] As negotiations between Cherries and Burnley continued on Monday, the Daily Echo received calls from two separate agents both claiming to represent Bartley and both saying they had no knowledge of the deal. It is understood a third agent finalised the transfer.[LNB] Cherries chairman Mitchell claims to have spoken to no fewer than three different agents during the saga, telling one who was understood to have a contract with Bartley that the player had signed for Burnley.[LNB] Mitchell, speaking to the Daily Echo, said: This latest transfer window was an eye-opener. It was a lot more involved than last season. The way some of the things were handled by people outside of the club were not very professional.[LNB] With the agents prodding us again, it was just another disruption for the club and the players. Some of the clubs outside of our division still think we are desperate for cash. Knowing what budget they get in that division, their prods for our players were ridiculous.[LNB] It should be done properly because you are talking about peoples' careers.[LNB] If there is a licensing body then everybody should be a member of it, otherwise they shouldn't be involved.[LNB] It does need policing or putting in order because it affects people who are trying to earn a living from the game.[LNB] The criteria for becoming a licensed agent includes making a formal application to the Football Association and then passing an examination.[LNB] All agents must be CRB checked and must have professional indemnity insurance in case a player attempts to sue them for providing negligent advice.[LNB]
