Football pays tribute to Mel

LEADING figures at all levels of the game have united in mourning the loss of legendary football agent Mel Stein, who passed away this week at the age of 77.

Although best known for representing the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer, Stein carried out a number of roles in football, including serving as legal advisor to the National League for many years.

As well as being instrumental in the League’s commercial activity, Stein was also attributed as being one of the first specialist sports lawyers, and also co-found- chaired the Association of Football Agents.

Stein was a passionate Newcastle United fan but lived locally to Barnet and offered his hand of friendship in the mid-90s to support chairman Tony Kleanthous in his battle with the Football League to save the club.

Leading the tributes for Stein, Kleanthous said: “The work that Mel did for Barnet is immeasurable – from the outset he offered his friendship to the club and remained a friend until the end.

“He asked for nothing and selflessly gave every- thing asked.

“Mel was one of my dearest friends, we shared a special bond, and I will deeply miss him –as will everyone at the club.”