A LAW firm has unveiled a surprising new signing to join as a director - retired footballer Iain Dowie.

The renowned striker, who played for Southampton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and others will be joining Alexander Grace Law in Hapton as the firm's new business director.

His new role will involve leading their specialist remortgaging team.

Mr Dowie said: “My wife, Debbie, joined Alexander Grace Law’s new Lytham team earlier this year and I was hugely impressed with the rapid growth of the business and how much respect they had for each and every member of staff.

“While people may wonder how I’ve gone from the pitch to the office, I have been working within the conveyancing arena for some four years now and when Alexander Grace asked if I would come on board with them, it was a no-brainer.

“I’m a real people person and much of my role will be out on the road meeting potential new partners and clients.

“And while I learned my management skills in the football world, everything is transferable but with less swearing!

“I’ve really got stuck into the new role and can’t wait to get out there and meet some new faces.”

The firm was founded four years ago and now employs 134 members of staff with three new offices on the Flyde Coat alongside their expanded Hapton head office.

Speaking about his newest colleague, co-founder and director James Young said: “It really has been a huge year of growth, despite the pandemic and we’re thrilled to have Iain join our team.

“He’s a really great, down-to-earth guy and we’re lucky to have him on board.

"And as a big football fan myself, I for one am loving his locker room stories!"