Quick Facts
Biography
Barry Silkman, (born 29 June 1952 in Stepney, England) is a football agent and a former footballer who most notably played in midfield at Manchester City in 1979 and at Leyton Orient from 1981 to 1985. He spent 16 years as a journeyman midfielder, and tried his hand at management. In the 1990s he became a agent.
Playing career
Silkman also played for Hereford United (1974–1976), Crystal Palace (1976–1978), Plymouth Argyle (1978–1979), Luton Town (on loan 1979), Brentford (1980), Queens Park Rangers (1980–1981), Southend United (1985–1986) and Crewe Alexandra (1986). Silkman was also player/manager/coach at Leyton Orient for 3 seasons with Frank Clark as manager.
It was at Plymouth that he first came to the attention of Malcolm Allison, who deemed him to be a suitable player to bolster Manchester City's midfield as they struggled in the First Division.
Agent career
After retiring from football, Silkman became an agent. Metro named him as the 10th most influential agent in football 2013.
Personal life
About his ethnic affiliation Silkman said: "I was brought up Jewish and I'm Jewish through and through.It is my daughter's batmitzvah next year so I take her to shul when I can."Silkman has been involved in greyhound racing, with his dogs Half Awake, Skomal and Carlsberg Champ respectively winning the 1987 Gold Collar (Catford), 1988 Guineas (Hackney) and the 1990 Cesarewitch (Belle Vue). He is a presenter on Racing Post Greyhound TV. Silkman is also involved in horseracing.