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The Not So Secret Football Agent

In his memoir Barry Silkman tells the incredible story of his career from player to agent with colourful anecdotes of all the characters he encountered along the way, along with some touching, personal recollections of his life so far. Silkman boasts an impressive playing career which lasted 16 years, playing for 11 different clubs including Manchester City. A gifted and skilful player, he was your archetypal Cockney, with Romany gypsy appearance with a shock of black curly hair, tan and socks rolled around his ankles. He always felt he had an eye for a good player and when a friend was without a club, he brokered a deal to get him a 2-year contract – soon all the player’s friends started calling Silks, and his life as a football agent began. He went on to become one of the 10 most influential agents in football (Metro 2013) representing Jaap Stam, Yakubu, Patrik Berger, Soucek (West Ham) and organised Zidane to join Newcastle. Silk’s talents transferred across to the showbiz industry where he organised artists and tours in a fascinating post-playing career. Some of the names he worked with were Mickie Most, David Gest, Rod Stewart. Kim Wilde, Phil Collins, and Dionne Warwick.