Support from a Winning Team

Sports stars of the future can rest safe in the knowledge that every aspect of their career is being looked after by the dedicated representation and management agency, which is part of regional legal practice BHP Law.

 

The recently restructured division now provides every player it represents with a registered Football Association (FA) agent and a former professional with an outstanding track record in the game.

 

Former England player and Middlesbrough and Bolton manager Colin Todd and ex Sunderland player and Darlington manager Gary Bennett work as consultants, scouting for new talent and advising players on their careers.

 

On the legal side, Managing Partner of BHP Law, John Pratt, and new Partner Paul Monaghan are registered FA agents and negotiate contracts and other legal issues surrounding players and their profiles.

 

The representation of players is part of a strengthening relationship that BHP Sport is building with the region’s top tier clubs.

 

The team currently acts for reserve players at Newcastle United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Gateshead and Darlington, as well as players at Oldham Athletic.

 

Paul explained: “As registered FA lawyers, John and I are entitled to act as agents for professional players and can support them in their career and daily lives to whatever degree they wish.

 

“There is no limit to the extent of the work the firm can do on players’ behalf. On the legal side, we negotiate contracts between players and their clubs, and negotiate transfers. We also advise players on a range of issues relating to sponsorship agreements, image rights and endorsement and merchandising agreements.”

 

Paul, a keen football supporter, is also a Solicitor Advocate, a senior legal position which allows him to speak in any court including the Supreme Court.

 

“It was a very demanding course to achieve Solicitor Advocate status but many of the skills I learned, such as negotiating and doing deals at the highest level, are transferable and mean I can offer the highest quality representation to players,” he explained.

 

One of BHP Sport’s most high profile successes was the free transfer of England Under-21 midfielder Dan Gosling from Everton to Newcastle United in 2010, a case which saw the firm represent the player at a Premier League tribunal in London.

 

About BHP Sport’s two footballing consultants, John said: “Colin and Gary are well known and well respected figures in the football world. They know the game as players, managers, coaches and commentators and have extensive knowledge when it comes to recognising new talent.

 

“They understand the world of football inside out and are an invaluable source of experience and knowledge for younger players on the verge of their big break.”

 

Colin Todd played 173 games for Sunderland from 1966-1971 before moving on to Derby County where he played nearly 300 games from 1971-78, including the 1972 and 1975 seasons when the club were First Division champions. He was the Professional Footballers Association Player of the Year for the 1974-75 season.

 

Todd also played for Everton, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Oxford United, Luton and Vancouver White Caps.

 

He made his England debut in 1972 then was a regular from 1974-1977 with Derby defensive partner Roy McFarland.

 

He managed Middlesbrough, Swindon, Derby, Bradford, Rangers and Darlington, and led Bolton Wanderers to the First Division title in 1997.

 

Gary Bennett played for Sunderland from 1984-1996. He also played for Manchester City, Cardiff City, Carlisle United and Darlington, of which he was manager.

 

The consultants and agents in BHP Sport are supported by a range of additional expertise in the firm that is offered to players, whether they need to relocate or want independent advice on managing their financial affairs.

 

Professionals within BHP Law advise young players on property and personal matters, and an expert from the financial planning division advises on personal finance, tax and estate planning and wealth preservation.

 

John added: “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.”

 

For more information, visit www.bhpsport.co.uk