SOUTHEND United have dramatically reduced their fees to agents.

Blues paid £27,048 to agents between October 2010 and September 2011.

But the year before they spent £50,400 and 12 months previously it was £56,104.

Southend’s chief executive Tara Brady has worked hard to keep agents costs to a minimum.

And he believes the figure will be reduced even further next year.

“Why should we pay someone to negotiate against us?” questioned Brady.

“If someone is acting on our behalf then we pay them accordingly but if they’re acting for the player then it’s the player who pays them.

And Brady added: “We haven’t lost out on any deals because of this and our figures for next season will be even lower than the £27,000.

“However, it’s not a hard rule and if there comes a time when our hands are tied and we have to pay an agent to make sure we get a player then we will.”