MARK Hughes has called football agents "a necessary evil" in the light of Mike Newell's revelations yesterday.

The former Rovers striker rocked the game this week by claiming he had been offered "bungs" when negotiating transfer dealings.

But the Blackburn manager said he hadn't had the same experiences.

He said: "You would have to ask Mike about his comments. I've not heard them, but I've read about them.

"He has obviously had some experiences he hasn't been happy with, although I can't say I've had those experiences myself.

"Obviously we have all come across agents at some time or another, and some are good, some are bad, some are indifferent and some have a different agenda.

"But at the end of the day they are a necessary evil, certainly at some levels.

"As long as the agents are doing the right thing by their clients, and you can get the right quality of players into your club, then agents have a role."

Luton boss Newell has challenged fellow managers to follow him in denouncing the murkier side of football transfer dealings.

But the former Everton and Blackburn front man fears his outspoken remarks will be met with a wall of silence among his peers.

"I would hope people who have struggled with agents would back me up, but whether they will is for them to decide," said the 40-year-old.

"I know there are other managers who do not like dealing with agents. There are plenty of managers out there who think like that.

"But I fear there won't be a long queue of people lining up to back me on this issue.

"I can't speak for other clubs and about their dealings with agents. I can only vent my frustration about what I have experienced.

"I am annoyed about the money - which is ultimately supporters' money - that is going out of the game, and which is making the agents richer and richer."

Newell is expected to meet Football Association officials early next week to discuss his claims - a summit that leaves him undaunted.

He added: "I have no problem substantiating what I have said - and I have no problem digging people out.

"I can back up everything I have said, and I can sleep well at night. The matter is in the hands of the authorities now."