Hammonds sports team expands into European giant

Hammond Suddards Edge's sports law team has somersaulted to the top of the tree by buying Townleys, Europe's only specialist sports law firm.However, Hammonds could see a fall in work from one of its major clients, the Football League, after it took on its first in-house lawyer.The merger will create a six-partner, 22-fee-earner practice, most of whom come from Townleys.Senior partner Stephen Townley said his firm had reached the point when it was 'pushed from an investment and resources perspective' from exploiting international work.

However, he maintained that while he had 'plenty of people prepared to pay wodges of cash' for his firm, Hammonds was the only offer he would have accepted.'They have an enthusiasm such as I've never seen before to develop a sports practice,' said Mr Townley.Hammonds acquired a sports practice when it merged with Edge Ellison.

Richard Alderson and Peter Millichip - son of former Football Association chairman Sir Bert Millichip, himself a solicitor and consultant to the firm - head the practice.Townleys has advised on more than 40 sports - from football and rugby to more esoteric pursuits such as long-distance walking, aeronautics and dog sledding - with emphasis on acting for rights holders.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Craig, a Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder, joins the Football League from Manchester firm Widdows Pilling.

He will be responsible for the legal administration issues league, including tribunals, a review of the league's rules and regulations, in-house advice on employment law and commercial contracts, and 'the co-ordination of the provision of legal services to the league'.Football League chief executive David Burns, himself a solicitor who joined the league last year, identified one of Mr Craig's primary tasks as a review of the league's disciplinary rules and regulations.A League spokesman said external advice was an area that Mr Craig would look at, but said there was a good relationship with Hammonds which he was sure would continue.Neil Rose