Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
KEITH’S EXPERIENCE WILL BENEFIT STARS
FORMER Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie hopes the personal highs and lows of a roller coaster career will help him in his new venture as a football agent.
Gillespie launched the Onetwo agency alongside ex-irish League player and respected Banbridge businessman Brian Adair yesterday.
And the 42-year-old believes the pitfalls he experienced as a player means he’s perfectly placed to offer guidance to future stars.
As well as winning 86 caps, Gillespie was no stranger to tabloid headlines and openly admits he blew £7m on gambling and poor investments. The former Newcastle United star said: “Given my history, there’s probably no one better to talk to.
“The controversy I’ve had over the years, my agent had to deal with issuing statements and things like that.
“You hope you don’t have to deal with controversy, but it can happen.
“I’ve seen the good and bad of agents down through the years and that is of real benefit going into this business. I’ve had to change agents, but my last one went above and beyond what he had to do and that’s how I want to help any player I deal with.”
Former Loughgall manager Adair, who runs the successful Epic Experience events company, believes Onetwo is a “good fit” for both parties.
He said: “To go into a business like this with someone like Keith is terrific. It’s an exciting venture and our plan is to drive it on.
“Keith is hungry to do well and when you dovetail his career with his experience of dealing with agents too, it’s a massive plus.”