Agency’s made for the fans
JON SMITH was football’s first super-agent – and he is offering fans the chance to stake their claim in the Premier League’s £1billiona-year transfer market.
Smith, who represented superstars Diego Maradona and Ruud Guillit, is setting up a new sports management agency.
This time, supporters can invest in his expertise – and share the profits.
Smith says his new company, The Fans Agency, will give supporters a vehicle to get involved.
Part of the plan is for some profits to be diverted to grassroots football projects, meaning cash from transfers will be used to nurture future stars.
Smith’s proposal is to launch a company to handle transfer and contract negotiations as well as other commercial, media, legal and career opportunities.
He is selling off a 25 per cent stake of the agency, with investors able to buy in for as little as £10.
More than £180,000 of the £500,000 equity target has already been raised, with plans to open offices in London and Manchester well advanced.
Smith insists he wants shareholders to be much more than silent partners.
He said: “Investors will be encouraged to identify and recommend talent and the experts we will employ will then look at those players to see if they have the right potential.
“The key is to identify talent that is under the radar – and to make some money along the way.” ■■For more information, visit https://thefans. agency/ and https://www. crowdcube.com/ companies/the-fansagency/pitches/lOPAKZ