Wayne Rooney and Paddy McGuinness laud football super-agent Paul Stretford – who has worked with Man United icon since his teens – at star-studded Global Football Industry Awards
Wayne Rooney has led the praise for football super-agent Paul Stretford as the industry heavyweight was honoured at the Global Football Industry Awards.
Stretford, alongside Kenneth Shepherd, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Awards in recognition of their longstanding careers and work on Soccer Aid for Unicef.
He has worked by Rooney’s side for more than 20 years, and has recently appeared on the former footballer’s reality TV show, which he fronts alongside wife Coleen.
Rooney presented Stretford with the award himself, alongside Toni Duggan and comedian Paddy McGuinness. Theo Walcott and Jamie Carragher hosted the ceremony.
Rooney said of his agent and close friend: ‘Paul in particular has had a major influence on my life since I was a teenager and has guided my career.
‘Both Paul and Kenneth are very deserving of this award. It is not before time and I’m delighted for both of them. The work they’ve done on Soccer Aid is phenomenal too.’
Wayne Rooney (centre) has lauded close friend and football super agent Paul Stretford (right)
Stretford doesn’t just look after Rooney, having also worked with the likes of Harry Maguire since founding Proactive Sports Management, now known as Triple S Sports Group, in 1987.
Shepherd, meanwhile, has been instrumental in the success of the Soccer Aid initiative which has raised more than £137million for Unicef since it launched in 2006.
McGuinness added: ‘I’m so proud to pay tribute to a duo who have had a profound impact on football and two figures we’ve both had the pleasure of working with over the years. Together, they built the Triple S Group into a dynamic force in British and international football.’
England assistant manager Anthony Barry also carried out an exclusive Q&A at the event, which saw Tyler Alexander-Arnold, brother of England defender Trent, also scoop a top award.
The brother of the Real Madrid star represents Jordan Henderson, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson as well as his sibling, who saw his PLG Agency bought by Gersh talent agency in May of this year.
