Saif and sound

The Premiership has meant many things for the British game, not least the influx of various forms of petrodollars, the arrival of the world’s best talent and, as a result, the gradual return of its best clubs to the summit of the European game. But it has also meant the pre-eminence of the football agent, the slick-suited, smooth-talking, Blackberry wielding cross between a corporate banker and an estate agent – and these days, the ever-present companion of every professional player between Sunderland and Southampton.  

 

And while they might remain as cherished as a myopic assistant referee, or as appreciated as a price-hiking chairman, the agent is undoubtedly as intrinsic to the modern game as supermodel girlfriends and arm-length tattoos. One of the more active agents during this summer of activity is Abu Dhabi-raised British-Iraqi Saif Rubie, agent of new Manchester City recruit Kolo Toure. With players such as recent England cap Carlton Cole and former Liverpool favourite Steve Finnan on his books, the 31-year-old already has a decade of high-level representation under his belt since he graduated from a successful career in the nightclub management and promotion business. Over the last five years, he has also quietly established a reputation as one of the more effective football agents in Britain. 

 

Much of his success is, he feels, built on the understanding that in the modern game players need the whole range of services – from the best signing-on bonus to the optimum boot deal – and that requires the unconditional trust of the players to deliver them. In 2009, even a Wigan reserve will earn more money in a season than most people in the stands watching him, and he probably won’t have much of an idea what to do with it. “You have to be a bit of everything,” Saif says, in between frantic calls about a French striker he’s hoping to bring to the Premiership. “A big brother, sure, also consigliere, maybe an administrator or secretary. You’re on call if they need you and it’s your job to help them. They basically want everything done from A to Z, from endorsements, image rights, car purchases, where they live, their contract negotiations, everything.”

 

While it’s doubtful that football agents will rise above the status of necessary evil in the minds of most football fans, a decent representative can not only nurture young talent – Saif works with lower-league players like Chris Palmer, who he helped secure a switch to League One club Gillingham from Walsall – but ensure the first big pay cheque doesn’t end up in the nearest Kensington casino. Maybe the likes of Gascoigne, Merson and Adams could have helped England win the 1994 World Cup instead of sobbing over lost years if Saif Rubie had been behind them. 

“I have been able to develop a rapport with all my players from day one,” he says, “and that’s why others come to me. It’s all about trust and you have to build that over time. After ten years of doing this, I don’t drive around looking for new clients. I don’t really have to.”

 

for a full version of this article, see NOX38.