Barnsley have appointed sports agent and lawyer Ben Mansford as chief executive to 'build on the legacy' of outgoing general manager Don Rowing.

 

Mansford, whose last job was with Los Angeles-based Wasserman Media Group, arrives at Oakwell a week after former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins CBE was announced as board chairman.

 

Mansford said, “I hope to be in post very soon and to meeting the fans and stakeholders. We are one town, one club and one team."

 

He added: “ We need Oakwell to become the place where people come to watch football and enjoy themselves during what are still tough economic times.
“It is a great honour and a privilege to be involved in the management of such a historic club. I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to show that anything is possible.
“Barnsley FC is in good shape thanks to a good job by Don Rowing off the pitch and in recent times on the pitch as David Flitcroft has driven the players forward in remarkable fashion.“

Watkins said, “In Ben we have someone who not only understands the management and finances of football and has a good record of business achievement in sport, but also shares our deep desire for Barnsley FC to succeed.
“I am sure he will prove an excellent chief executive and can build on Don Rowing’s legacy of continuous improvement.“
Rowing announced earlier this week that he would be leaving his role as director and general manager after nine years at the club. The 70-year-old's final day will be June 30.
Club owner, Patrick Cryne, said; “Don has been the unsung hero at the club. In his position you draw fire for all the poor decisions made within, but get little credit for the good work done.
“His workload has always been phenomenal and yet he has discharged it completely. I regard him as a good friend and wish him a long and fruitful retirement.”
Mansford, who lives in West Yorkshire, has negotiated employment contracts in the UK and abroad for players and has handled regulatory issues with the football authorities.
He has negotiated commercial licensing and sponsorship agreements as well as handling image and intellectual property rights for clients. He advised Fabien Delph on his transfer from Leeds United to Aston Villa for £8m. As a lawyer at Walker Morris, Leeds he specialised in sports-related matters acting for players, athletes, coaches, managers, clubs and agents.