Prominent lawyer Watkins steps down as Barnsley FC chairman

The sports lawyer who defended then Manchester United star Eric Cantona following his infamous ‘kung fu’ kick on a Crystal Palace fan in 1995 has resigned as chairman of Championship football club Barnsley.

Maurice Watkins, is also a former club solicitor of Manchester United and was on the club’s board. He is currently joint senior partner of Brabners’ Manchester practice.

In a statement Watkins said of his Barnsley departure: “It was just over four years ago that the owner Patrick Cryne asked me to become chairman of the board of directors.

“I have now decided the time is right to move on and I wish the club, the players, the fans and the board every success for the future.”