Barry Silkman - Biography

Barry Silkman, (born 29 June 1952 in Stepney, England) is an English former footballer who had a brief spell in midfield at Manchester City in 1979 and a longer one at Leyton Orient (1981–1985).

Playing career

Silkman also played for Hereford United (1974–1976), Crystal Palace (1976–1978), Plymouth Argyle (1978–1979), Luton Town (on loan 1979), Brentford (1980), Queens Park Rangers (1980–1981), Southend United (1985–1986) and Crewe Alexandra (1986).

It was at Plymouth that he first came to the attention of Malcolm Allison, who deemed him to be a suitable player to bolster Manchester City's midfield as they struggled in the First Division.

He was the last British-born Jewish footballer to play professionally in the English top division. Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Israel's top clubs, took him on loan in January 1980. At the time foreign players could not play in the Israeli league, but Silkman's Jewish faith meant that, according to the Law of Return, he was eligible for immediate Israeli citizenship. However, on hearing that this would also mean that he would have to serve in the Israeli army, he decided to leave and return to Manchester City.

Post-playing career

He is now a successful players' agent.

Football agent

Silkman, in his early career as an agent, handled the affairs of several well-known players, including Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neil, who he brought over to England as unknown players.

He has represented and negotiated transfers with some of the world's biggest football clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs and Real Madrid.

Notoriously secretive Silkman has worked on many occasions with super agent Pinhas Zahavi, including Eyal Berkovic, Yakubu and Geremi, to name but a few. More recently, Silkman was also instrumental in both Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger arriving at West Ham.

Notes and references

External links

• Barry Silkman Profile on www.uit.no/mancity/players