30 years ago Jim McLean refused to allow agents over the doorstep at Tannadice when he ruled the roost at Dundee United.
The Celtic manager is furious right now that Victor Wanyama’s advisors don’t want their client to sign for Southampton, despite the Scottish Champions accepting Saints’ £12.5-million offer.
But Lennon’s anger is nothing compared to McLean’s all these years ago.
When agents first materialised back in the 1980s, they were perceived as a bane on the game, particularly by McLean.
None of his star players David Narey, Paul Hegarty, Paul Sturrock, Eamonn Bannon, Richard Gough or Maurice Malpas had representatives. There was no need. ‘Wee Jim’ had them all tied up on long-term contracts!
The problems for him arose when United tried to sign a player, particularly one employing an agent.
McLean detested what he saw as non-football people trying to take money out of the game and rip off clubs. He refused to compromise with them over their own fees, on top of the signing-on fees for players plus extras like housing assistance, club cars, boot endorsements and so on.
As a result, many a quality player was allowed to go elsewhere by McLean.
United’s biggest loss around this time was Andy Walker.
He was emerging as a goalscoring talent at Motherwell, and would have been an ideal addition at Tannadice.
With McLean’s brother, Tommy, in charge at Fir Park, United were allowed to talk to Walker while still negotiating a transfer fee.
Talks were proceeding well until Walker found out McLean insisted every player had to reside within a 30-mile radius of Tannadice.
Andy was being advised by his father, who was also a chartered accountant, and both recoiled at the 30-mile ruling.
Not long after, Walker joined Celtic for £350,000 as one of Billy McNeill’s first signings. He immediately helped them to the League and Cup double.
McLean refused to alter his principles, however, and continued to play hard ball with agents.
His warning all these years ago about some agents wasn’t far wrong. Just ask Lennon.
McLean, now 76, hasn’t been too well recently. But he’ll never change his opinion over agents!
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