United we stand

It is good to see Maurice Watkins (seated left), the eminence grise of football lawyers, taking a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson's book and bringing through the juniors.

Over the years, we have run pictures of Mr Watkins, a Manchester United director, wrapping up yet another multi-million transfer or deal, and mugging happily alongside the likes of Sir Alex, David Beckham and Juan Sebastian Veron.

But now more junior partners at James Chapman & Co are getting into the limelight as Mr Watkins bloods the youth - almost literally here, as it is partner Mike Blood standing behind him as they mark the signing of Diego Forlan.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon (seated right) could at a pinch pass as a younger version of Mr Watkins - one can almost see the photographer saying 'let's have the follicly challenged fellows flanking the chappie with all the hair'.

Group managing director David Gill makes up the shot.