Cricket Case studies:
Meet the TSP talent
Here are four contrasting examples of the handpicked cricket talent that TSP exclusively represents:
Azeem Rafiq (Warwickshire CCC), Stephen Moore (Lancashire CCC), Will Smith (Durham CCC) and Luke Wells (Sussex CCC). All of whom are at different stages of their career. Stephen Moore has been a prolific run scorer over the last 6 seasons and pushing hard to become a fixture in the England set up whilst Azeem Rafiq is a highly gifted and widely rated emerging player, as the England U19 Captain, he is set to establish himself as the number one bowling all-rounder for Yorkshire CCC next season.
Ateeq Javid
(England U19 and Warwickshire CCC)
What made you, as a young player, choose to seek an agent?
I felt as a young aspiring player with high ambitions it was important to seek representation to allow me to focus on my performances and development as much as I could. Having an agent means all my off-field demands are taken care of, allowing me to concentrate on my main priority, cricket.
What in particular do you think we offer that stands us out from others?
TSP specialises in representing upcoming talent and prides themselves on having a long personable relationship with their client. For me, as a young player, it was important to be represented by someone who would have a genuine interest in my career and be accessible at all times to help me with whatever requests I may have. After considering various approaches, it became clear that TSP were in the best position to provide these services I was seeking and for that reason stood out from the others.
What would you say to young cricketers who don't think they need an agent?
The developmental years and jump from a county's academy to their 1stXI is arguably the toughest stage of a player's career. An agent helps minimise your off-field distractions allowing you to focus on your cricket and this transition.
Will Smith
(Durham CCC and Championship winner)
Will Smith is an opening batsman that took over the captaincy of Durham CCC at the end of the county's Championship winning season in 2008 and managed to guide the team to their second title in a row the following summer. However, in 2010, Will's form suffered and he handed over the captaincy reigns to focus on his batting. This has proved a wise decision as he recently kick-started his 2011 season with 179 vs Warwickshire CCC.
Stephen Moore
(England Lions and Lancashire)
How long have you been with us at TSP?
I have now been represented by TSP for about seven years.
How has TSP helped shape your career?
In joining TSP, it meant my transition from university to a full-time professional career was as smooth a process as possible. Their skill and expertise in contract negotiation was invaluable when signing my first major contract in what was a potentially daunting experience. Ultimately, as well as being my passion, cricket is also my job and TSP have helped me maximise my commercial earnings in a professional and effective manner.
Why do you think you have had such a successful relationship with TSP over the years?
Their honesty and unwavering interest in my performance and me as a person is a trait hard to find within the management industry and a quality that I hold in high regard. I know that regarding my off-field needs, TSP have my interests at the forefront of all the work they do for me. This trust means I do not worry or get too distracted by off-field influences, allowing me to focus on my game.
Luke Wells
(Sussex CCC and England U19)
Luke Wells is a left-hand batsman who impressed Sussex CCC enough in 2009 to be offered a three-year summer contract which will take him through to 2012. He has wasted no time in repaying this faith by scoring three First Class Championship hundreds in the first seven games of the season, with a high score of 174 vs Yorkshire CCC.