FOOTBALL City kid Swan now on other side of fence THE REAL DEALER
How ex-Etihad starlet became the youngest agent in football
PATRICK VIEIRA’S parting words were welcome.
“If you ever want a job at Manchester City,” he told George Swan, “as a kit-man, cook or coach, let me know.”
But if you are 21 and your dreams of becoming a professional footballer have disappeared, following a spate of injuries, even well-meant offers can sound hollow.
Swan, described as the “next big thing” when Leeds United were paid £500,000 for him by Manchester City, knew he had to re-invent himself.
Today, less than one year later, he has certainly done that – as football’s youngest agent.
The former midfielder already has one deal under his belt and plans plenty more this summer as he grapples with life on the other side of the fence.
Vieira’s offer was made with the best of intentions, but, for Swan, life had to begin again.
He said: “I was supposed to be a hot prospect. When you are 14 and Manchester City spend £500,000 on you, you don’t think that, seven years later, you are going to be finished in the game.
“That’s not to say you take it for granted, but I’d had so many bad injuries that I just couldn’t take another one and decided to call it a day.
“I’d been out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, signed a permanent deal at Wolves and the last stop was York City.
“I’d done my cruciate ligament, broken my leg, torn my groin... I couldn’t get myself fit and I was getting left behind.
“When I had my knee problem, I’d wake up some nights wondering if I’d been sleeping on it and whether it would have swollen up by the morning. It’s no way to live with that hanging over you all of the time.
“Manchester City were great. I eventually ended up at York, but I’d had another operation. I phoned my dad and said, ‘I’ve had enough’. Of course, when you are in football, you’re in a bubble. I couldn’t do anything for three months afterwards. I couldn’t watch a game on TV, nothing.
“It took me that long to get over the first bit of heartache. Then, I went to a dinner with my own agents and they said, ‘Look, why don’t you come on board with us?’.”
Swan picked up 10 GCSEs during his apprenticeship at the Etihad, having a private tutor two days a week, working 10-hour days to make up for time lost on the training pitches.
And that has stood him in good stead, along with his recent knowledge of the stars of tomorrow, as he looks to get a foothold in a difficult industry.
He said: “The great thing for me is that because I’m still young and have recent experience of how top clubs operate, I can give my colleagues a first-hand insight.
“For instance, Manchester City’s young players are scrutinised heavily. Everyone wants to see how they do in the FA Youth Cup, the most prestigious competition in age-group football.
“But they aren’t viewing it like that any more. Their best under-18 players are being pushed into the under-23s. And they are increasingly using under16s in their youth sides.
“That’s a subtle change, but a lot of agents would not be aware of it.
“But I know I’ve got a lot to learn myself from Lee Matthews and Mark Obern, who have given me a chance at Sports Management International.
“They do the job properly. It’s a good atmosphere, and I feel like I’m still around the changing-room – I just want to give lads proper advice and make s ure t hey are well looked-after.”
Swan was the intermediary for the move which saw goalkeeper Ian Lawlor move from the Etihad to Doncaster Rovers two months ago.
He added: “It’s a start. I hope I don’t have to take Patrick up on his offer, but I’m glad to be involved in the game.
“I’m working for good people – and maybe, just maybe – I can build a better future for someone else and one for myself.”
I justj want to give lads proper advice and make sure they are well looked-after