Coke named Owls Player of the Month 2 September 2010
Central Midfielder Giles Coke has been named Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Month for August, earning a whopping 80% of the vote.
Since joining the club from Motherwell in the Summer, Coke has been in outstanding form and has scored 4 goals in August, helping the Owls to top the League One table.
Baptiste scores as Blackpool rout Wigan 15 August 2010
Alex Baptiste scored for Blackpool on the opening day of the Premier League season as the Seasiders recorded a memorable 4-0 win away at Wigan Athletic. Baptiste has had quite a meteoric rise moving from non league to become a mainstay of the club's defence.
Giles Coke joins Sheffield Wednesday on 3 year deal 2 July 2010
TLS client Giles Coke has signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a three year deal.
Coke, 24, an athletic central midfielder, has joined the Hillsborough club after spending last season playing for SPL outfit Motherwell.
Hughes to sign for North Queensland Fury 28 June 2010
Walsall Captain Mark Hughes is to sign for North Queensland Fury for the 2010/11 season, after deciding to turn down an offer of re-engagement with the Midlands club.
Centre Half, Hughes, 23, began his career at Everton, before playing 100 games for Northampton Town in League One.
Mark's move to the Australian A-League is TLS' second piece of international transfer business in the past week, following Al Bangura's move from Blackpool to Mersin in Turkey.
Al Bangura signs 3 year deal with Mersin Idmanyurdu 27 June 2010
TLS client Al Bangura has signed a 3 year deal with Mersin Idmanyurdu, who play in the second tier of football in Turkey, the Bank Asya Lig.
The 22 year old midfielder has spent the last five years plying his trade in England, firstly at Watford, helping them to Premier League promotion in 2006, before featuring for them in the top flight of English football the following season.
Al spent last season at 2010 Championship Play Off Winners Blackpool.
Warning! Beware of internet scamsters posing as agents! 7 June 2010
It has come to our attention that internet scamsters are emailing keen footballers from rogue email addresses asking them for money to arrange non existent trials.
Please note as a company we do not offer trials to players that we do not represent and we would never ask for money to arrange trials.
If you receive any of these type of emails, please forward them to info@touchlinesoccerltd.com so we can forward them to the relevant authorities.
Rundle signs 2 year deal with Morecambe 26 May 2010
Left winger Adam Rundle has signed a two year deal with Morecambe.
The 25 year old former Rochdale player's deal will officially begin on 1 July.
Rundle has made over 250 football league appearances after beginning his career at Newcastle United.
Baptiste helps Seasiders win promotion to Premier League 23 May 2010
TLS client Alex Baptiste is celebrating promotion to the top flight of English football after his Blackpool side came from behind twice to beat Cardiff City 3-2 in the Championship Play Off Final at Wembley.
It has been a meteoric rise for Nottingham born Baptiste, who suffered relegation from the Football League with former club Mansfield Town before TLS brokered him a move to Bloomfield Road in July 2008.
Alex has been on top form this season, and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Establishing himself at the heart of his team's defence, he signed a contract extension in January.
Coke hits double in unbelievable 6-6 draw with Hibernian! 5 May 2010
Midfielder Giles Coke scored two goals in the SPL's highest scoring match ever, helping to keep Motherwell's Europa League hopes alive.
Well amazingly went 1-4 down and subsequently 2-6 down and even missed a penalty before coming back to draw 6-6 and claim a point.
The Glasgow club now remain one point ahead of Hibs going into the last game of the season away to Rangers.
Follow us on Facebook........and Twitter! 1 March 2010
You can now follow Touchline Soccer on Facebook and Twitter - details below:
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/TouchlineSoccer/501166045426?ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/touchlinesoccer
Rundle moves to Chesterfield 1 February 2010
Winger Adam Rundle has moved to Chesterfield after Rochdale agreed to release his registration, allowing the Spireites to acquire his services until the end of the season. Rundle, 25, made over 125 appearances for Rochdale in three and a half years at the North West Club, scoring 17 goals, including an exceptional volley in the Play Off Final at Wembley in 2008.
Baptiste extends Seasiders contract to 2013 20 January 2010
Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste has extended his contract with the Championship club to the summer of 2013, adding two years onto his exising contract, which had a further 18 months to run.
The 23 year old has been one of the League's outstanding defenders this season, attracting admiring glances from a host of club scouts.
Baptiste said: "I am delighted with the way things have gone, I always give 100%, and I am delighted to have signed a new deal.
Manager Ian Holloway expressed his pleasure in Baptiste putting pen to paper: "I am delighted to reward Alex, he has been absolutely outstanding and if I am writing my team out, he is one of the first in it. I believe he can play in the Premiership, and I have told him that. As a defender I don't think I have had a better one..."
Hughes named Saddlers Captain 27 July 2009
New Walsall Centre Half Mark Hughes has been named captain for the forthcoming League One campaign following an impressive pre-season.
Giles Coke joins Motherwell 22 July 2009
Central Midfielder Giles Coke has joined SPL club Motherwell. The 23 year old has signed a one year deal with an option to extend his stay for a further year.
Simon Cox joins WBA for £1.9 million 8 July 2009
Swindon Town striker Simon Cox has joined Championship side West Bromwich Albion for £1.9 million. The 22 year old scored 32 goals last season and has signed a two year deal, with a further 2 year option.
Mark Hughes signs for Saddlers 8 July 2009
Centre Half Mark Hughes has signed for League One Walsall after rejecting a new deal at Northampton Town. Hughes, 22, a former Everton youth player, has put pen to paper on a one year deal, with a further one year option.
Simon Cox named League One Player of the Month...again! 7 April 2009
Simon Cox has been named League 1 Powerade Player of the Month after scoring 8 goals in the month, including 7 in 3 games! This recognition follows the PFA League One Player of the Month award Simon received in October.
Sky Sports pundit and Chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, Chris Kamara, said:
"Simon Cox is simply a goal machine. All the big clubs have had a look at him and you can see why. He's beginning to reach his full potential and his goals have helped Swindon steer clear of the League 1 relegation zone."
Simon Cox to guest on Sky Sports Big League Weekend 17 February 2009
Simon Cox is to be studio guest on Sky Sports' weekly Football League highlights programme Big League Weekend. You can watch Simon on Monday 23rd February at 5.30pm on Sky Sports 2.
TLS clients get on the scoresheet to earn respectable draws. 15 February 2009
It was business as usual for Touchline Soccer client Simon Cox as he scored his 19th goal of the season as Swindon Town held League One leaders Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium. Cox has been in devastating form this year and has already notched up a number of contenders for goal of the season, including an audacious 30 yard volley against Walsall.
In contrast to Cox, a more unlikely scorer was Blackpool right back Alex Baptiste, earning his side a 1-1 draw at Ipswich, with a powerful right foot strike. 'Bap' has excelled in recent weeks, bagging his first goal for the Championship side since his summer move from Mansfield Town.
McNulty makes deadline day move to Brighton 15 February 2009
Jimmy McNulty has signed a three and a half year deal at Brighton, after a fee of £150,000 was agreed with Stockport County for the defender’s services.
The former Scotland youth international has already made an immediate impact at the Withdean Stadium, scoring on his debut against Peterborough.
Simon Cox - League One Player of the Month 4 November 2008
Swindon Town striker Simon Cox has been crowned the PFA League One Player of the Month for October. The former Reading academy graduate has been in outstanding form this season scoring a total of 14 goals so far, and now sits as one of the top marksmen in the country. The Touchline Soccer client has also bagged two League One hat-tricks, his most recent coming against league leaders Scunthorpe, which included an early contender for Goal of the Season.
McNulty signs one year contract extension 17 July 2008
Stockport defender Jimmy McNulty has signed a one year contract extension to June 2010. Despite only joining the League One club in January, McNulty has been rewarded for some fine perfomances in last season's Play Off winning side.
Cox hits wonder goal against Fenerbahce 17 July 2008
Swindon striker Simon Cox got his pre-season off to a flying start notching 3 goals in as many games including an absolute cracker against Champions League Quarter Finalists Fenerbahce.
The Turkish outfit, fielding a full strength side which included World Cup Winner Roberto Carlos, and playing under new European Championship winning Coach Luis Aragones, could only manage a 1-1 draw with the League One side. After going 1-0 down to a close range header by ex Chelsea frontman Mateja Kezman, Cox evoked shades of Gazza's famous strike against Scotland in Euro 96, by chipping the ball over an oncoming defender and volleying into the top corner. The only difference - Cox's strike was from fully 30 yards out.
Cox also scored a predatory strike against Steaua Bucharest before rounding off a successful Austria Tour with a goal against Czech side FC Zlin.
Baptiste signs for Seasiders 7 July 2008
Alex Baptiste has joined Blackpool after the Championship club agreed a fee with Mansfield Town.
Baptiste, 22, has signed a 2 year contract with the Tangerines, including an option for a further year.
The Ollerton born player told TLS: "I'm really looking forward to stepping up a level and can't wait for the new season to start at Blackpool. I'm very grateful for all the work Touchline Soccer have put in to make this move happen."
Joy for Jimmy as Stockport promoted 26 May 2008
Congratulations to Touchline Soccer client Jimmy Mcnulty on promotion to League One following Stockport Countys 3-2 victory over North West rivals Rochdale in the League Two Play Off Final today at Wembley.
Jimmy joined County from Macclesfield in January with the Edgeley Park club placed 13th in the League. A regular in the back line since his arrival, Jimmy has contributed to the clubs impressive run of form, which culminated with a 4th placed final League position, and a subsequent Wembley win.
Global Player Database launches! 9 March 2008
The Global Player Database has now launched!
As a networking service for both players and clubs worldwide, the Global Player Database connects aspiring footballers with both amateur and professional clubs, allowing the players to highlight their individual footballing profiles to try and find a club.
Visit the Global Player Database page for information on how to register.
McNulty signs on at Stockport 1 January 2008
Former Scotland Youth International Jimmy McNulty has agreed an 18 month deal with League Two side Stockport County
Twenty two year old McNulty, who spent his formative years at Everton, has turned in a string of impressive performances at both Left Back and Centre Half for Macclesfield Town this season, leaving a number of clubs fighting for his signature.
McNulty told TLS: "I'm really pleased to be joining Stockport County. I was very impressed with what Jim Gannon and Peter Ward had to say about the club and I can't wait to get started. I'm looking forward to playing my part in helping to push the team towards the top of the table."
How to become a football agent 20 November 2007
Touchline Soccer receives multitudes of requests by people interested in becoming a football agent. Many are frustrated by the lack of information available to them and often give up thinking getting into the industry is a 'closed shop'.
Touchline Soccer is delighted to offer a dedicated service explaining how to take your first steps into the world of player management and how to go about giving yourself the best chance of becoming a success.
If you are interested in finding out how to become a football agent, email info@touchlinesoccerltd.com for further details.
Birchall named in League Two Team of the Week 8 October 2007
Barnet striker Adam Birchall has been named in the League Two Team of the Week after grabbing two goals in the Bees 4-2 weekend win at Stockport. The former Arsenal youth and Wales U21 front man, who scored his season opener away at Norwich City in the Carling Cup, bagged his first league goal of the current campaign the previous week against Rotherham. Birchall has now struck four goals this season, including three in his last three games, helping Barnet to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games and catapult them towards the top of League Two.
Baptiste agrees new three year deal at Mansfield 2 July 2007
Alex Baptiste has agreed a new three year deal with Mansfield Town. Alex's new deal sees him contracted to the Field Mill club until the end of the 2009/10 season.
Coke signs for Cobblers 2 July 2007
21 year old Central Midfielder Giles Coke has signed a two year contract with Northampton Town.
Coke moves to the Sixfields Stadium after two years with Mansfield Town.
Although Coke was out of contract at Field Mill; as he is under 24, the League One club will be required to pay compensation, with a figure to be set at a Football League tribunal.
Touchline Soccer signs industry leaders to head its Commercial Division 22 March 2007
Touchline Soccer is delighted to announce an alliance with sports marketing agency Sponsorfinder, led by Brian Hewitt, who will head our team of Commercial Advisers. Brian brings with him the talents of Paul Leonard, former Head of British Telecom (BT) Corporate Sponsorship and Andrew Thomas, former Commercial Manager of The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
Brian has over thirty years experience in the sports marketing industry, consulting to numerous global brands and leading sporting organisations. Sponsorship deals valued at over 30 million pounds have been brokered by Sponsorfinder, and all three executives are experienced speakers on the subject at domestic and international conferences.
Alex Cowdy, TLS Director, told www.touchlinesoccerltd.com:
I am delighted to welcome Brian, Paul, and Andrew on board. Acquiring the services of three of the leading sports marketing and sponsorship experts in this country will ensure Touchline Soccer is able to offer its clients an industry leading array of off-the-field commercial opportunities to complement their on-the-field successes.
The anatomy of a transfer deal 31 January 2007
Prior to the closure of the transfer window this evening, Touchline Soccer explained to the BBC the basics of a football transfer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6314369.stm
The transfer window will shut at midnight on Wednesday and there will be a frantic struggle as teams try to squeeze in deals before the deadline.
Last-minute bids, talks between clubs and contract negotiations are likely to dominate the day in a flurry of late activity.
BBC Sport gets the ins and outs of a transfer from leading agent Alex Cowdy of Touchline Soccer Ltd.
How does a transfer start?
What happens when a fee is agreed?
Bonuses and image rights
The player's role
The agent's cut
When the deal is done?
HOW DOES A TRANSFER START?
A written offer will be made for a player and the selling club may reject or accept any bid.
The two parties will then keep going backwards and forwards until they negotiate a fee.
Clubs may also contact an agent to work on their behalf and ask them to find a buyer for a particular player. This situation can arise if a player is not playing games.
An agent might also speak to a club who decide that for whatever reason it is in the best interests of a player to leave. An agent would be given permission to speak to other clubs and given a specific fee the sellers have in mind for the player.
You then have to delve through your contacts and I will either speak to a manager or a chief scout at a club.
In the summer, a player might be out of contract and you can spend quite a bit of time phoning clubs and trying to place a player at a particular club.
As an agent I will also speak to managers and chief scouts and ask which positions they are looking to fill. They might say we need a left midfielder or a big striker with pace and you have to check whether there is someone available for them in their budget.
If a player who I represent is under contract then a written offer will have to be put in to his club.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE A FEE IS AGREED?
A fee can be agreed but it does not mean a move will go through. But, once it is, then the job of the agent is to agree personal terms on the player's behalf.
The agent is there to secure the best possible deal for his client and this can take a little time.
Professional and financial issues will be taken into consideration such as: whether the player is going to play, the wage and the length of the contract.
It is a bit of negotiation and compromise. The agent wants to realise a player's value to a club while the club will be looking to minimise their outlay as much as they can.
If the player is of a certain level the club will be prepared to offer him a better package than for a less valuable player.
Issues which arise in the negotiation process include:
An adjustable salary: This would see an increase in salary year-on-year and after a certain number of appearances.
A signing-on fee: This is a payment the player gets for signing for a club, although this may vary and depend from league to league.
At the larger clubs you get a payment when you sign and then a fee split over a couple of years.
If a number of clubs have agreed a fee for a player then he will weigh up a number of aspects.
These may include whether he is going to play more at one club than another, the package he is getting and how much he will have to uproot his family.
It often comes down to a wide range of reasons but for most players, first and foremost, it can be about how many minutes on the pitch they are going to get.
BONUSES AND IMAGE RIGHTS
There is plenty to be done in fine-tuning a deal and some of the major aspects can include negotiating the following:
Loyalty bonus: A player will get this for seeing out his contract at a club and it will be paid on the last game of the season in the final year of a contract.
Appearance bonus: If appearance money is X then you would get 100% for a start, maybe 50% for a playing substitute and 25% as a non-playing substitute.
Other bonuses: There can also be bonuses paid if a team wins the league, a cup, qualify for Europe or make a certain round of the cup.
Often when a young player signs his first professional contract with a club after graduating through the academy they might get a bonus on their first-team debut or after a certain amount of games. Their contracts are usually also re-negotiated after five first-team starts.
In addition, you can also have goalscoring bonuses, a clean sheet bonus, international bonuses and award bonuses.
Clauses can also be included which depend on whether a club is relegated. If this happens a player may have it in his deal that he will be released or can speak to other clubs if a certain fee is tabled.
Personal terms can sometimes take a bit of time with big players as there are more issues.
Image rights ownership - This is an important issue in contract negotiations.
In short this is ensuring that the player has the right to control commercial use and exploitation of his image, voice and likeness.
Agents may help their players set up their own image company and the club may come to an agreement that the player can keep hold of his image rights and the club will pay the player for use of his image.
THE PLAYER'S ROLE
It is up to the player to concentrate on playing and the agent to take care of everything else.
What I say to my players is that I am there to advise them and take care of everything off the pitch.
I provide them with a comprehensive representation package: from contract negotiations and commercial opportunities to lifestyle openings and wealth management services.
Ultimately, the transfer decision will be discussed between the agent and the player, who may also speak to his family.
The agent should be doing things in the best interests of his player and, along with his player, will have to consider the standard of facilities at the club. Decisions may come down to the ambition of a club.
Also, sometimes personal terms cannot be agreed and deals can look like they are going to happen and then fall through.
After discussions with the player, he might decide he wants more money, not be happy with certain clauses or want a shorter or longer contract. It is then the agents job to tweak the clauses.
As part of a deal a player will also have to undergo a medical.
THE AGENT'S CUT
An agent can only be remunerated by one party. An agent will in most cases negotiate a fee with the buying club.
The club will then pay this as a lump sum or in annual instalments. Any fee due to the agent is recorded in the documentation relating to agents which is sent off to the FA Premier League and Football Association.
Of paramount importance to me is the happiness of my clients. You have to be a pretty unscrupulous agent to stop a player's move going through because of demanding high fees.
Having said that agents may have put months of work into facilitating a transfer and, as such, are entitled to be paid for the work they have undertaken.
WHEN THE DEAL IS DONE
Once everything is sorted certain documents need to be lodged with the relevant authorities for the transfer to be approved and registered.
Documents are lodged with:
The Football Association and Premier League if the transfer involves a player moving to a Premiership club.
The Football League and FA if the transfer involves a player moving to a Football League club.
The documents include the transfer documentation, the financial agreement between the two clubs, the players contract, the players registration, the players bonus schedule, and any forms relating to agents.
