The FA have released their report regarding payments made to intermediaries by EFL and Premier League clubs.
The report highlights that Shrewsbury Town paid a total of £77,042 to agents and intermediaries for the 12 months between February 2018 and January 2019.
ShrewsWeb spoke to Town CEO Brian Caldwell to find a little more about this part of football.
“Obviously with the turn around of players and the number that we have signed in those 12 months that adds to the agents fees totals”, said Brian.
“No one likes to see money go out of the game but Agents are very much involved in the game and you have to work with them.
“When you deal with a players agent most of the time it is necessary to pay fees or else the agent might take their player elsewhere.
“No mater what you have in terms of facilities or a possible deal and opportunities I don’t want to give anyone an excuse not to come to Shrewsbury Town because their agent isn’t getting paid.
“If you look at the report it shows that most clubs are paying agents fees and most are paying much more than us.”
The reports shows that Shrewsbury Town were 15th in the table for fees paid out by Sky Bet League One clubs, Town currently sit in 15th place in the Sky Bet League One table and wondered if there is a connection between the two.
“At the end of the day a lot of football deals are about money and an agents fee tends to be a percentage of the players wages”, said Brian.
“I think it is quite telling but the amounts paid can be higher dependant on how many players you sign in that period, how many new players are coming in and obviously we have had quite a few in and out during February 2018 to January 2019.
“We are 15th in the league at the moment and also 15th place in the table of money paid to agents, so it highlights there might be a connection.”
Agents have become part of the recruitment process in recent years and Brian was keen to highlight the majority are good. He also thinks that they are here to stay and it is important to build good relationships going forward.
“A lot of agents get tarnished with a bad reputation but the majority of them are good to deal with, and myself, Sam and Adam have regular contact and a good relationship with agents”, said Brian.
“I’ve got to say the majority are good to deal with and know where we are coming from in terms of what we can offer.
“We have to have good relationships with these guys as they are not going to go away, I can’t see agents not being in involved in football.
“They are here to stay and I do believe they have a place in the game, it’s up to us to make sure we have a good relationship with them.”
To view the full list of intermediaries for EFL clubs click here > EFL Intermediaries Fees