New era kicks off for a famous club

Sep 26 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

WALLSEND Boys Club’s move to a new site in Wallsend is being advised by Watson Burton law firm.

The world-famous club, which produced football stars such as Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Lee Clark, will see work start on the £1.2m scheme later this month.

The relocation to a 20-acre site will give the club its own pitches for the first time. They will be ready in a year’s time – exactly 70 years since Swan Hunter founded the club in 1938.

The route from 1930s wooden huts to 21st century purpose-built premises has been a long one, and is seen as the most important step the club has taken to date.

The club has received financial support from the Football Foundation and North Tyneside Council for the new premises and the move has involved Watson Burton’s property, construction, tax, charity, corporate and commercial departments.

Property solicitor Deborah Whitehead has been leading the complex property input to the scheme, while construction law associate James Harrison has advised on the many construction aspects.

Ms Whitehead said: “There was a very tight timescale to exchange contracts because if work does not begin soon on the pitches, they will not be seeded in time for play next summer.

“If the deadline had been missed, Wallsend Boys Club would not have been able to start playing on site until summer 2009, missing a whole season’s football.

“We therefore negotiated and exchanged the agreement for lease with the council, negotiated and agreed the lease, drafted and negotiated the building contract, letter of intent and the consultant/contractor warranties, as well as liaising with the Football Foundation, architect, surveyors and other professional bodies within a very demanding timescale.

“It’s great news to know that everything has now been agreed, and that work on site will begin in a week or two.”

Allan Henderson, Watson Burton’s head of dispute resolution, is a trustee of the club, which coaches boys and girls. He has brought in charity, property, employment and corporate advice from Watson Burton to help the club move forward over the years.

Watson Burton was also involved in the restructuring of the club after 40 years. Led by corporate and sports law partner John Devine, this involved its incorporation as a new charitable company limited by guarantee and the registration of the new company with the Charity Commission and HM Revenue

Wallsend Boys Club leader Garry Marshall said: “Watson Burton’s commitment to the club is fantastic. We have been able to call on specialist lawyers in all sectors and get exactly the advice we need. They are an important part of the team here.

“We have never had a site which we could call our own with outdoor facilities. It will enable us to continue to work with the youth in our area to recognise their dreams whatever they may be.”

Former England star Peter Beardsley agrees. He said: “I owe a lot to Wallsend. That’s why I’m still involved. Their move to new premises is fantastic news. The new pitches will be a big bonus.”