Trio Join BHP Sport
New Signings for BHP Sport: (L-R) ex professionals Gary Bennett, Gary Gill and Colin Todd.
THREE well-known names in North East football have signed with a regional law firm to strengthen its sports representation and management team.
Former England player and Middlesbrough and Bolton manager Colin Todd has joined BHP Sport, part of BHP Law, as a sports consultant.
He has been joined by former Boro player and Gateshead manager Gary Gill and ex Sunderland player Gary Bennett, who are both familiar voices on local radio football programmes.
The management and representation service provided by BHP Sport is complemented by cross-practice legal support for professionals involved in the sports and entertainment industry.
John Pratt leads the legal side as a registered FA Lawyer with a team to advise on issues from contracts, renegotiations, image rights, sponsorship deals and intellectual property.
Other professionals within the firm advise young players on property and personal matters, and an expert from BHP’s financial planning division has also joined the team to advise on personal finance, tax and estate planning and wealth preservation.
John Pratt, managing partner at BHP Law, said: “Colin and the two Garys are well known and well respected figures in the football world. They know the game as players, managers and commentators and have extensive knowledge when it comes to recognising new talent.”
He added that BHP Sport’s role was about much more than spotting the next Wayne Rooney.
“For the parents of 16-year-olds with promising careers ahead of them, we feel having the support of a reputable law firm, together with the insider knowledge of football, must be helpful and reassuring.
“Our aim as a firm is to support players when we think we can help, whether that’s with contract negotiations, sponsorship or helping them to relocate and buy a home.
“The combination of ex-professionals from the game working with lawyers as a single team means we offer a unique service for those involved in the world of sport. Being able to provide a range of services under one roof with the interests of the client at heart frees up players to focus on the game,” explained John.
Colin added: “The welfare of young players is paramount. With young teenage players we will meet with parents and keep them fully informed about their son’s careers. As they progress, contracts can become very technical and complex so players are advised to have professional support.”
One of the firm’s most recent high profile successes was the free transfer of England Under-21 midfielder Dan Gosling from Everton to Newcastle United, a case which saw the firm represent the player at a Premier League tribunal in London. BHP first started acting for the player when he was at Plymouth.
Gary Gill added: “Between us we have extensive coaching and management experience, as well as having been professional players. We can draw on that knowledge to help the next generation of footballers.”
The trio will work across BHP’s offices in Darlington, Stockton, Durham, Newcastle and Halifax, although they are looking for players nationwide.
Gary Bennett, who managed Darlington FC and is also involved in the Show Racism the Red Card educational charity, said: “We expect to spend a lot of time on the road, watching youth games to spot new talent, and also once we have recruited players as we seek to further their careers.
“BHP Sport is already representing some excellent talent and we hope to expand on that quickly, especially in the North East.”
BHP Sport is represented in the south of England by consultant Danny Naisbitt. The team is also managing the careers and contracts of 11 Dutch professionals.
Contact Us
Related Articles
| Support for a Winning Team |
|---|
| New Signing for BHP Sport |
| BHP Sport expands with new registered FA lawyer |
| BHP Sports new Dutch Signings |
| BHP Sport's Dan Gosling called up! |
