Gordon’s just tonic to guide kid stars CROSS

COLIN GORDON, one of the best and most respected agents of the last 20 years, has returned to the business.

Gordon stepped away in 2015 to become a director at Kidderminster Harriers, but has now teamed up at 366 Group alongside Sam Rush, who was chief executive at Derby and also the Wasserman Media Group.

Ex-leicester striker Gordon, 57, represented former Three Lions boss Steve Mcclaren and England keeper David James during his time heading up Key Sports.

And he is back in the agency world, with serious concerns about some of the guidance given to young and up-and-coming players.

Gordon (above) said: “The relationship between agent and player is vital.

“A good agent knows all the options and is knowledgeable enough to say, ‘No, that deal is not right for you’. That doesn’t always mean the biggest or most lucrative deal is the best. And too often these youngsters are not seen as players who can develop into fine young men or women – but as cash cows.

“The sad thing is that sometimes that’s familydriven and sometimes it’s driven by agents.

“It’s disgusting and all about the next deal.

“Footballers’ careers are short enough, but if you’re going to cut them even shorter, based on terrible decisions and on what you can gain now, then you’ll be in all sorts of problems.

“If, from the age of eight, you’ve been told you’re going to be a superstar, seen as the breadwinner and then suddenly you’re on the scrapheap, what kind of mental health issues would that leave you with?”

BT SPORT are going to great lengths to do a 90-minute football show tomorrow. They have sent cameras out to their star pundits Robbie Savage, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Peter Crouch to take part with Jake Humphrey hosting. All five will be at their homes, the one crew member will be at Humphrey’s house stood outside a window while the others have had a crash course amid lots of rehearsals. It will help fill the football void this weekend. Sky Sports have also been doing some excellent shows with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher from afar while the BBC’S classic matches from yesteryear went down a storm last Saturday afternoon. More, please! REFRESHING to hear one Premier League CEO kick off a video conference call to all staff by telling them to ensure freelance, casual and matchday staff must be paid as their priority.

RICK PARRY is earning rave reviews with EFL clubs for his approach as chairman. The former Liverpool chief executive and head of the Premier League knows what it takes and is at the beck and call of the clubs with regular updates, trying to find solutions and also pledging a £50million emergency fund. The FA’S communications have been excellent and proactive with chief executive Mark Bullingham talking last week, while PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has spoken publicly to offer assurances.