New Team Captain!

West Ham have apparently hired high profile solicitor Maurice Watkins as leader of our legal side in the quest of getting the Court of Arbitration for Sport to rectify the verdict of the of the Football Association Arbitration Hearing in the continuous story of Sheffield and Tevez.

Watkins have represented players and clubs before FIFA and UEFA tribunals and overseen countless big-money transfers during his time at Old Trafford as well as represented players and clubs at the Court of Arbitration for Sports and international and league compensation tribunals.

According to “Wiki” Maurice currently occupies these positions:

* Director of Manchester United Football Club Limited
* Company Secretary for MUTV (Manchester United Television)
* Director of the British Association for Sport and Law (Former President & Chairman)
* Member of the FA Legal Working party
* FA representative on the Association of European Union Premier Professional Leagues (EPFL)
* Member of Working Group for Financial Matters of the FIFA Task Force "For the Good of the Game"
* Member of the FIFA Decision of the Dispute Resolution Chamber
* Non-Executive Director for the Rugby Football League
* Regional Chairman for Coutts Bank
* Trustee of the Professional Footballers Pension Scheme
* Appeal Chairman of the New Children’s Hospital Appeal
* Governor of Manchester Grammar School (!)

- and he famously defended a certain famous French “flip-up collar” player (not the only thing flipped with this remarkable personality) after his almost as famous flying kick on a somewhat less famous Crystal Palace supporter in ’95.

Looking at this list it seems lik he knows his way around European sports law and authorities, have a busy schedule and a split personality - and doesn't come cheap! However, a person that know these territories will be extremely important for the outcome.

Having Watkins “on loan” from ManUre could be the most important signing since Steve Clarke, and Watkins team could play as an important part of the Club future as any we field on a pitch.

As this is still a rumor, I am afraid that it may be a bit too good to be true. But if it is, I am very pleased that he will be in our colours during the CAS (and presumably "FA damages") hearings.

Edit: 2009-09-26 CAS says that the appeal cannot be heard without the agreement of Sheffield United. My money is on SU not agreeing - wanna bet?
.