Look ahead :
You should be able to plot a career path and deal with the likely transitions before they happen. If the new season starts in six months and you haven't got confirmed plans, you're running late.

Shop Around :
Take free advice from whoever has an informed view - don't rule out senior players, coaches or team mangers whom you trust, you should be able to judge whether they have your best interests at heart.

Do not instruct more than one party to act on your behalf. Two or three agents purporting to represent you in the market can only lead to misunderstanding and ultimately a reduction in your value.

Great expectations :
If you decide an agent or manager is best for you, talk through the process before agreeing to commit. Discuss your expectations, both short and long term: your strengths and weaknesses, what's important in your life, which coaches you have enjoyed working with, which clubs you feel positive about etc. Alarm bells should ring if the agent isn't interested in what you think or what you want!

Get your agent agreement in writing - if you don't have a true understanding from the outset how do you expect a good working relationship and a favourable outcome. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for the right to be able to terminate the agreement after a brief trial period.

Clarify what and how the agent is being paid for his work in writing - he should not be receiving payment as a service to the club as well as charging you. If the club is paying the agent on your behalf you may have to pay tax and NI on that amount as Benefit in Kind.

Agents fees - If you allow your agent to take a fee as a proportion of a long-term contract, ask to pay the fee over the period of your employment not as a one-off advance. That way you can be sure he'll be interested in your progress throughout the contract duration.
Ask about other players the agent represents. He may look after many other players of your standard or in your position competing for the same job.

Keep your side of the bargain - if you've agreed to work exclusively with an agent, don't undermine your position by working with others or directly with clubs yourself. If you feel your needs are not being serviced raise the issue and/or terminate the deal. Treat others as you expect to be treated yourself.

Keep informed - If you're not sure: ask. An agent should keep you informed of what is happening. You're quite within your rights to ask to attend meetings with the club or clubs. Get written reports of negotiation details or clarification of important points if you feel it's important - keep a file.

Eye for detail - Any contract or written agreement that requires your signature should be taken away and read carefully. Don't rush. Detailed points like: insurance cover for your salary in event of injury, details of termination clauses, pension scheme payments, accelerated pay scales if you develop faster than expected etc. need to be considered. Initial each page and take a photocopy of anything you sign.

What is vital for a player is being given honest advice and this is where relatives who represent players sometimes struggle. Your agent must have faith in their ability and the ability of the player to walk away from the negotiating table when the arrangement being suggested by the club is not right for the player. Too often relatives will agree contracts on behalf of the player because of their emotional attachment, professionally this can be the wrong decision.

Picking an agent can be difficult but MC Sports would suggest you look around, talk to people, or better still contact the players being represented and ask them for some honest feedback.