Smiths seek star kids

FOOTBALL agent brothers Phil and Jon Smith, who made their agency, First Artists, one of the big names in the business, are joining forces with Adam Wheatley, Kevin Pietersen’s agent, to form a new football venture. Christened the Players Republic, it will concentrate on identifying and contracting top young talent. The co-founders hope to raise £538,000 of equity investment.

THE giant West Ham United lettering on the roof of the London Stadium is in the process of being taken down to comply with the promise of a clean venue for the athletics World Championships. It is understood there had been some debate within the London Legacy Development Corporation as to whether this was really necessary because of the expense involved.