Sports Management & Representation from BHP Sport

But even if their child has the talent, how do they turn that promise into a professional career?

The sports agent is as much a fixture of the sporting world as the stars themselves, but recent headlines have done little to reassure parents that their child’s future is always in safe hands.

The world of the sports agent is a murky one with potentially millions of pounds at stake – and for well-meaning but inexperienced parents it can be a daunting world to step into.

It is one of the reasons David Hodgson, ex-professional player and former manager of Darlington FC, joined regional law firm Blackett Hart & Pratt, now BHP Law, last year to launch a new in-house sports management and representation division.

BHP Sport is believed to be the only full service sports management and representation agency within a law firm in the North East, and is expanding its services into other sports besides football.

David, 47, says: “As a former professional footballer I know better than anybody how important it is to secure the right professional representation. It is an absolute minefield out there. Within BHP Sport we are able to offer a full range of services from contract negotiations to wealth management and legal expertise.

“My experience of how players are looked after by their agent suggests that while they remain committed to them as a professional player, as their career declines I’ve seen first hand that representation disappears. Our aim at BHP Sport is to ensure that even at the end of their playing career we continue to provide ex-players with the advice and support they will need for the rest of their life.”

As a professional footballer, David played at the highest level winning the treble at Liverpool (Championship, FA Cup and League Cup) where he played alongside iconic figures including Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson. He was managed at Liverpool by the legendary Bob Paisley and Joe Fagen.

Following the end of his playing career, he enjoyed spells in football management and has worked as a licensed FIFA agent within the football representation and marketing industry. 

During his time as a licensed football agent he was involved in many high profile transfers of players in the Premiership and other leagues, placing more than 80 players into the British game.

As director of BHP Sport, he mentors and supports young players and is backed up by BHP’s team of solicitors and professional advisers to provide associated career management and personal advice.

He works closely with respected BHP lawyer Robin Winskell, who regularly advises high profile footballers and clubs on a range of issues from contracts to image rights and sponsorship, while other experts within the firm can advise on anything from tax planning to finding players a new home. 

Since launching 18 months ago, BHP Sport has placed nine footballers with top clubs.

One is 18-year-old defender Dan Gosling who was placed with Plymouth, making 24 appearances before being signed by top five Premiership club Everton earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Rangers and Arsenal are reportedly interested in 14-year-old Plymouth striker Aaron Speare. Although too young to represented legally, BHP Sport is advising Aaron’s parents.

David says: “Dan is doing fantastically well and Aaron, who is only 14, is a naturally gifted player who is being talked about in the same league as Wayne Rooney.

“These are youngsters who have amazing futures ahead of them and it’s important that at this early stage they are looked after. As well as our experience in professional sport, which we draw on to mentor and support young players, we have the backing of BHP’s team of solicitors and professional advisers to provide associated career management and personal advice.”

In addition to the links with English clubs, BHP Sport is represented in Europe by Swiss ex-professional and former Darlington FC striker Gaetano Giallanza.

“Gaetano is working with me on the European aspect of the game and creating links between BHP Sport and European clubs,” explained David.

“Barnsley FC have brought us on board to assist them in their European work, including the transfer of goalkeeper Heinz Muller from Lillestrom and the signing of Dennis Souza last summer.

“And there are two or three other players who we have brought into clubs who have established themselves as regular first team players and are now worth a lot of money.”

David added that BHP was also working closely with former Sunderland player Gary Bennett on bringing on the next generation of players.

“Gary is keeping us informed about promising youngsters. We don’t go banging on parents’ doors but nevertheless people are keen to work with us.

“I think it’s because we are within a well established and respected law firm and that gives them the added reassurance they need. In the short time BHP Sport has been operating we are doing very, very well.

“My ultimate ambition as a lad from the North East is to look after and develop the young talent within this region and I believe that some of those youngsters can go on and enjoy success at the very top level – who knows, one or two may even win the triple in years to come.”

* David Hodgson can be contacted at BHP Sport on 01325 466794.