The Deal: Inside the World of a Super-Agent Paperback – 24 Aug. 2017

A great insight into a world not many people ever see or understand.Humanised with Jon Smith's personal life stories of love and loss, as well as the 007-style introduction from his time in Odessa right up to his views on Brexit.Great tales of his involvement in the development of sponsorship and the birth of the Premier League, well worth a read.

The word agent especially in football is synonymous with greed. Mr Smith has opened a small window into this minefield and he has done a good job. It is Autobiographical but well written and present a good case why agents are needed in the world of Sports.

Having read an increasing number of footballing "autobiographies" from a variety of angles, it was inevitable that I'd be drawn in by The Deal.The aspect of 'agents' in football has always represented a curiosity for me - what do they do, and how do they manage to earn the money reported in the media? This was fuelled further, having read 'I Am Zlatan' and having my eyes opened to the influence and agent (Mino Raiola) can have over a player's destiny, both in a negative and yet profoundly positive way (as many seem to offer players a career trajectory, left to their own devices, many probably wouldn't have).So, as soon as I found out the book existed, I click 'buy'. Thanks to Prime, it arrived the next day.So, the first thing to understand about 'The Deal' (and perhaps, Jon Smith) is that it isn't completely about football. Mostly, but not completely. This doesn't impact the book at all, but serves to add in a bit of extra interest and context. The book itself, in my opinion, rides a rollercoaster-type quality level the whole way through - good chapters, and good paragraphs, can be flanked immediately by poor. His story of his first wife was an unexpected emotional hit, and there are certainly chapters of the book that you feel you can't stop reading.So, what stops me from providing five stars? I'll quickly cover this in no particular order.First of all, I expected a bit more 'inside content'. It felt like maybe 10% or less was actually relevant to an insight to how football transfers work. Some of that 10% came across like it wasn't from the voice of experience, such was it devoid of detail. This didn't "ruin" it for me, but take it on board if it's your sole reason for buying.Secondly, I feel like the book dealt with a bit of narcissism on Jon's behalf; at times it felt like it lost touch with whether it was about "being an agent" or celebrating Jon Smith. It certainly felt like more than a few chapters steered right away from the subject matter in order to tell you just how important and brilliant he was - which didn't feel like a necessary step. It felt, in more than a few places, like he (or the ghost writer) was blowing the Jon Smith trumpet very loudly - at which point, I wondered whether it may have been more adept to have been named "A Great Guy, by Jon Smith". These forays are easily forgiven, but it really ruined the tone of the book - which was surprising, as Harry Redknapp's book handled such a trait in a more beneficial way.Perhaps this stems from the last point, but the rhetoric in the book was, at times, very unnecessary. I felt like he was using words in order to come across as intelligent, although it felt like it acheived the complete opposite. I always believe that the hallmark of a skilled storyteller is one that can capture the imagination without the use of uncommon or perceivably unnecessarily elaborate words. This is, after all, a football book - should it not appeal to a broad range or readers?Lastly, the book didn't feel like it was carefully planned in its content. I found in a few chapters that, for example, he would start referring to 'Phil' out of nowhere, and I'd skip back and speed read the chapter I was in, only to find that the character literally appeared without content. Then, later in a chapter, it would introduce him as his brother (there were a few first name occurances of this confusing phenomenon). I also found that references or stories would repeat themselves, and you think "I'm sure I've already read about that".Overall, a very interesting read that is well worth a go. Whilst not the best footballing book I have read, nor the most modest, Jon is certainly a very interesting character that comes across as a gifted businessman who has excelled despite many personal tragedies around him.

Really interesting book with a lot of information regarding the tug of war that occur during a transfer that most of us football fans are unaware of.As a respected senior person in the business there is a excellent insight into the goings on.There are plenty of personal touches throughout the book.Great read. You will not be disappointed.

Kept me focused throughout. Good book and a solid read for those who are interested in the world of sports agency

Very good read and understanding of what an Agent does.

It's a good read, but it feels more like an autobiography than a book on being an agent. There are some interesting facts and chapters in the book, but 40% of it had absolutely no added value whatsoever.

i had heard of Jon Smith and his deal within football. I was very interested into his dealing with certain people. What comes out from the book is his willingness to try do the deals with utmost integrity. His other business deals were interesting and goes to show not all agents are full of monies and dogy dealings.