SMI Sports Management International (SMI World)
Teesside Talent Engine
UK €51mm
Key Facts
Also known as: SMI World; Sports Management International
Founded: 2007 (agency founded by Lee Matthews & Mark Obern)
Headquarters: Cleveland Business Centre, Oak Street, Middlesbrough TS1 2RQ, United Kingdom
Players: 127 (9 in 1st tiers) • Total market value: €51mm
FIFA/FA registration: Multiple staff listed as “FIFA Registered Agent”
Languages: English
Regions covered: United Kingdom (Premier League/Championship), Scotland, EFL, Middle East (Saudi Pro League), select European corridors
Email: lee@smiworld.co.uk • Phone: +44 7841 997204
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smi_world/
X: https://x.com/smi_world
About
SMI World is a North East–based football agency representing established professionals and academy prospects across the UK and abroad. Founded by ex-pros Lee Matthews and Mark Obern in 2007, the group emphasises end-to-end support for players and families, from contract negotiation and transfers to off-field life management.
Key People
CEO/Founder: Lee Matthews — Owner; FIFA Registered Agent
Co-Owner: Mark Obern — Owner; FIFA Registered Agent
Licensed agents / senior staff (selection): Robert Snodgrass; Ian Harte; Kevin Gall; Luke Rodgers; Scott McLaughlin; Leon Constantine
Client Roster
Top players (current):
Jack Clarke (Ipswich Town) — LW; contract to 2029
Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) — CM; contract to 2027
James Hill (AFC Bournemouth) — CB; contract to 2029
Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough) — CB; contract to 2026
Ben Gibson (Stoke City) — CB; contract to 2027
Rising talents / U23:
Calum Scanlon (Liverpool U21) — LB
Tommy Simkin (Leyton Orient) — GK
Sol Brynn (Middlesbrough) — GK
Niall Huggins (Wycombe Wanderers) — RB
Sam Bell (Wycombe Wanderers) — LW
Coaches/Staff represented (selection):
Jonathan Woodgate; Lee Bowyer; Adam Hinshelwood; Graeme Lee; Neil Cox; John Gall
Notable Deals
2024 — Jack Clarke: Sunderland → Ipswich Town; ~£15–20m; five-year contract to 2029
2025 — James Hill: AFC Bournemouth contract extension to 2029
2023 — Hayden Hackney: Middlesbrough contract renewal to 2027
2025 — Ryan Wintle: Cardiff City extension to 2026
2025 — John Buckley: Blackburn Rovers → Al-Kholood (Saudi Pro League); permanent; undisclosed fee
Services
Loans & contract negotiation
Transfers (domestic/international) and club recruitment support
Legal advice; relocation help
PR/media & commercial; boot deals; finance guidance
Lifestyle concierge (travel, tickets, vehicles, insurance, mobile)
Partner Network
Ipswich Town; Middlesbrough; AFC Bournemouth; Stoke City; Cardiff City; Wycombe Wanderers; Al-Kholood
Track Record (last 3 seasons)
Total transfers completed: 15+ senior moves/renewals across Premier League/Championship/EFL and Saudi Pro League
Deals ≥ €10m: At least one (Clarke to Ipswich Town)
Clients in top-5 leagues: Active representation in Premier League (e.g., Bournemouth) and elite youth pathways
National team clients: Multiple youth/senior internationals across England/ROI
Renewal/extension deals: Bournemouth (Hill to 2029); Middlesbrough (Hackney to 2027); Cardiff (Wintle to 2026)
Approach & Philosophy
Player-first, relationship-driven, and run by former professionals who focus on long-term career building, close family communication, and transparent negotiations, complemented by extensive off-field support.
Fees & Transparency
Operates under FFAR and The FA intermediary framework; no public fee schedule or dual-representation policy.
Compliance & Reputation
Disciplinary actions / sanctions: None publicly recorded
Litigation / disputes: None located
Media sentiment: Positive/neutral — steady EFL/Premier League activity and high-profile exits
