Gosling transfer coup for law firm (From The Northern Echo)

Gosling transfer coup for law firm

10:10am Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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A NORTH-EAST law firm has spoken of its integral role in securing a controversial deal to bring Premier League footballer Dan Gosling to Newcastle United.

BHP Sport, a division of Darlington-based law firm BHP Law, negotiated Gosling’s move to the Magpies on a free transfer.

The division is led by former Darlington Football Club manager and Liverpool player David Hodgson, Mr Hodgson, together with sports law specialist Robin Winskell, represented Gosling at a two-day Premier League tribunal, in London.

Midfielder Gosling, 20, is already an England under-21 international and has been represented by BHP Sport throughout his career.

The tribunal ruled that Gosling was entitled to a free transfer from Everton.

It has been estimated that, with a written contract offer in place, Everton could have collected £4m if the player had joined a rival club, as he is under 24.

Mr Hodgson said: “The net result is a fantastic four-year contract for Dan, a great acquisition for Newcastle United and a great success story for BHP Sport.

“In the course of his judgement, the tribunal chairman praised the player’s legal team. I am delighted that the case we put together was successful, and thrilled that Dan’s career is progressing so well.

“He has a great future ahead of him and his arrival in the North-East is great news for sport in this region.”

Gosling, who made his England under-21 debut against Portugal at Wembley, made 22 appearances for Everton after joining the club in January 2008.

BHP Sport is the first law firm in the North-East to have a dedicated team that offers a full representation service to sports personalities.

Mr Hodgson provides player management expertise, while Mr Winskell has sports law expertise, particularly in contractual issues built up during many years dealing with major football clubs and players.