Liverpool Lawyers Power Everton FC’s Data Revolution

Hill Dickinson Deepens Ties with Everton FC Through Strategic Data Acquisition

Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson has expanded its partnership with Everton FC’s new ownership, weeks after securing naming rights for the club’s upcoming stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The £750 million development, now officially titled the Hill Dickinson Stadium following a multi-year, multimillion-pound agreement announced in May, marks a new chapter in the firm’s collaboration with the club. That partnership has now extended into the strategic realm of football data and analytics.

Hill Dickinson has confirmed it advised on a deal for The Friedkin Group (TFG), Everton’s new owners, to acquire Insight Sport, a data consultancy established by former Everton director Chris Howarth.

The acquisition aligns with a broader shift in Everton’s operational strategy, which places data-driven decision-making at the core of its football operations. It also builds on a pledge made by newly appointed CEO Angus Kinnear, who has vowed to modernise the club’s structure with expertise across data, recruitment, and talent management.

Chris Howarth was recently appointed as part of Everton’s new-look leadership team, one of four senior figures tasked with reshaping the club’s footballing philosophy. His return, via Insight Sport, comes as Everton looks to emulate the data-centric approaches seen at top clubs such as local rivals Liverpool FC under Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

Reports earlier this year indicated that Everton was seeking a data consultancy to support incoming first-team manager David Moyes with recruitment. That plan has now materialised with the Insight Sport acquisition, which will also contribute to TFG’s football portfolio, including Italian club AS Roma.

Speaking to Everton’s in-house media, Kinnear said the club was moving away from a traditional single director of football model toward a more collaborative framework.

“We’re building a broader, flatter structure – bringing in specialists in data and analytics, recruitment, talent identification, and player trading,” he said. “I’ve been delighted with the calibre of individuals joining us. When fans see the full team in place, they’ll be reassured we’ve assembled a world-class football operations department to support David.”

The legal work on the Insight Sport transaction was led by Matt Noon, corporate partner at Hill Dickinson, with support from senior associate Ben Correia de Sousa.

Commenting on the deal, Noon said:

“We’re proud to support a move that brings such immediate value to Everton, especially during this exciting transition as the club prepares to move into its new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium.”