Dalian's Career Experiences

Having been a top flight player both in the UK and abroad, Dalian Atkinson's CV is impressive. However with each move came the inevitable transfer deal. While many went smoothly some didn't, and Players Come First aims to stop this happening to other players.

His own experiences include:

• For one contract an agent signed 'on behalf' of Dalian, completing the deal without his knowledge or agreement
• In 1996 an agent took money from the bank account of Dalian's lawyers without his authority to build an extension on his house. Incidentally the lawyers were recommended by the agent!

These are just two examples of the less than honest dealings experienced firsthand by Dalian, and having spoken to hundreds of other players throughout his career he is certainly not the only one to have been dealt some sharp practices.

We want to promote openness and honesty in the transfer process and believe the more we expose disreputable practices the more the game's image will improve.

If you have an experience you would like to share with us then please click the following link to fill in the form. We can keep your name and club confidential but share your experience so that other players and youngsters don't fall into the same trap.