Glasgow firm tries and scores

THE NAME of a commercial law firm in Glasgow will be literally dragged through the mud after it signed a major sponsorship deal with the city's biggest rugby club.

Harper Macleod's name will appear on the jersey of second division Glasgow High Kelvenside - known as GHK - as part of the agreement to back the team.

The firm's name will also appear on match programmes and around the ground, and it will also be promoted at hospitality events.

Harper Macleod will also provide the club and its players with legal advice from its sports department - believed to be the only specialist sports unit north of the border.

Lorne Crerar, managing partner, said: "We are delighted to be one of GHK's main sponsors for the 1995-96 season. They are Glasgow's premier rugby club and we look forward to a highly-successful association.

"GHK have outstanding potential. We too are confident they will have a successful season and we look forward to supporting their drive for promotion and further success."

Stephen Miller, who heads the two-partner sports unit, said: "Major developments are taking place in rugby football the world over and it is vital that players and clubs have access to sound legal advice."

Miller said rugby clubs, along with soccer clubs, are entering a new era of professionalism as more money is poured into the game through such channels as sponsorship and broadcasting rights.

GHK president James Martin said: "We are delighted to have attracted one of the leading commercial law firms to be one of our main sponsors for the forthcoming season."

The unit, which represents mostly football and rugby clubs, staff and agents, will give advice to GHK's players on matters including contracts and trust funds.