Sunderland legend Marco is captain of a new team

From left, Hugh Welch, of Muckle LLP ; Mark Wood, James Welch; Duncan Watmore, Marco Gabbiadini and Steven Smith.

Marco and colleague James Welch are the new directors of North East agency Quantum Sport after leading a management buy-out (MBO).

Quantum Sport is the sports agency services arm of Quantum Law LLP, a firm of legal and taxation advisers established in 2008, which is run by a team of lawyers, agents and ex-professional sports people.

The business represents about 80 professional cricket and football players, including England cricketers David Willey and Mark Wood and SAFC’s Duncan Watmore, on issues such as moving club, contract negotiation, sponsorship and image rights.

Louise Fellows, who was one of the first female licensed football agents in the UK, will continue in her role and former FA chief executive Ian Watmore will continue is his role as non-executive chairman.

Lawyers at Muckle LLP assisted Quantum Sporton the MBO.

“Nothing can replace being a professional sportsman, but the opportunity to work with my peers and sportsmen and women to develop their careers comes close,” said Marco.

“James and I are committed to cementing the foundations we’ve made with Quantum Law and to ensure Quantum Sport is a success.”

Quantum Law managing partner Steven Smith added: “I am very proud of what we’ve achieved together in the last three years and with the way in which we’ve helped our players develop and make the most of their opportunities.

“To get the business to a point at which James and Marco can now take it forward under their own steam is fantastic and I wish them and the rest of the team at Quantum Sport every success for the future.

“James and Marco have developed a fantastic reputation for their principled and professional approach and I have no doubt that the agency will continue to go from strength to strength.”