Author Archives: FWA News Editor

Ferguson praises award-winning duo

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Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Paul Scholes and Gary Neville after it was announced that the Manchester United duo will be honoured at the FWA Tribute Dinner next year.

The event will be held at The Savoy in London on January 22nd, and Ferguson has spoken of the players’ dedication and endurance during their long careers.

“To be recognised by the whole industry of football writers in England is a great accolade to these two players, but it’s also in testimony to the careers they’ve had,” he told Football Writers’ Association chairman Steve Bates.

“It’s not just about a couple of seasons, or that they’ve won the European Cup twice. It’s about careers spanning 18-19 years, since they joined us as kids.

“They’ve had phenomenal careers and they’ve done it in the best possible fashion – they’ve represented our club, and themselves and their families in the best possible way.”

Paul Scholes made his debut in September 1994 in a League Cup game at Port Vale. He scored both goals in a 2-1 win.

Gary Neville made his debut in a UEFA Cup match against Torpedo Moscow in September 1992. The game (and the tie) finished a draw, with the Russian side progressing on penalties.


Football Writers honour United duo

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We are delighted to announce that Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be the first joint recipients of the Football Writers Association Tribute Award at a Gala Dinner at The Savoy, London, in January 2012.

The recently retired duo follow a long line of Old Trafford stars dating back to Sir Bobby Charlton in 1989 with Denis Law (1994), Sir Alex Ferguson (1996), George Best (2000), Bryan Robson (2006), Ryan Giggs (2007) and David Beckham (2008) all recipients of the prestigous award for their contribution to the game.

Announcing the news FWA Chairman Steve Bates said: “Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are outstanding examples of one club men who have played at the highest level for Manchester United and England throughout distinguished careers.

“We are delighted to be honouring them at our Gala Tribute Evening early next year on what promises to be a great night for the two players, their families and the FWA.”

Details of the dinner and ticket allocation for members will be announced shortly.

Barclays Aspiring Football Writer Competition

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Do you think you’ve got what it takes to become a successful football journalist? Would you like the opportunity to show off your writing skills, putting yourself in with a chance of winning a week’s work experience with Mail Online and a trip to a Barclays Premier League match with a top football writer?

Barclays Aspiring Football Writer Competition is a collaboration between Barclays, title sponsors of the Premier League, and the Football Writers’ Association, which aims to provide up-and-coming UK writers with a taste of life as a top journalist reporting on the Barclays Premier League.

If you’re a budding football writer based in the UK then we’re looking for you. Submit your articles and match reports on the Barclays Premier League, and the best entries will be published on the competition website and the Barclays Football Facebook page every month.

Please note that you must be a UK resident between the age of 16 and 30 to enter.

Head over to the competition website to find out more – www.barclaysfootballwriter.com

FWA Q&A: Christopher Davies

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In the first of our new ongoing feature, we speak to Christopher Davies of The People about life as a football writer…

Your first ever newspaper?
South London Press
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
I did a stint in public relations when I was younger…among the clients were a women’s hat manufacturer…quite
What was your finest achievement playing football?
Scoring a goal from the half-way line with a back-heel…eat your heart out David Beckham…oh, it was during a six-a-side game
Most memorable match covered?
Has to be the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy for the Daily Telegraph…my first World Cup final as a football correspondent…it was far from a classic match but like players, football writers also want to be at the big ones
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966 – and I was there, my ticket cost 17 shillings and sixpence
Best stadium?
The Nou Camp even though the press box is so high you can shake hands with the man in the moon
…and the worst?
The old Plough Lane press box was, er, interesting…I remember covering the first game of the season there once and there was a sandwich left from the last game of the previous season
Your best ever scoop?
David Beckham to Real Madrid…sadly the Daily Telegraph decided not to use it…two months later the story broke…sob
Your personal new-tech disaster?
Arsenal 1, Parma 0 – 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, Copenhagen…pressed ‘send’ but instead of sending my match report it disappeared into a new tech Bermuda Triangle…after a 30-second swearfest I picked up the landline (those were the days) and adlibbed 800 words
Biggest mistake?
On talkSPORT recently I said: ‘I hope Guus Hiddink returns to English football…he has one more big job in him and I hope it’s here’
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
At the 2002 World Cup finals a TV crew from Cameroon wanting an interview thought I was Barry Davies…’no, I’m Chris Davies’…’oh, you’ll do’
Most media friendly manager?
At the highest level Arsene Wenger has been outstanding…it is rare that his press conferences do not produce a story
Best ever player?
When I watch Lionel Messi, which I do virtually every weekend on Sky Sports, I am continually astonished at his skill…he makes the near-impossible seem easy, the ball is almost velcro’d to his magical left foot while he does not indulge in the dark art of diving
Best ever teams (club and international)?
The current Barcelona and Spain (which some say is Barcelona without Messi) teams have raised the bar and taken football to a new level…Barca’s display in the 2011 Champions League final was as near football perfection as it gets
Best pre-match grub?
Football writers who cover Arsenal’s home games are always well fed
Best meal had on your travels?
Certainly not Albania! I remember having a baby beef in Buenos Aires in 1978…it was the biggest baby I have ever seen…I have never eaten a steak as good (or as huge) as this…BA is not the place to be a vegetarian
…and the worst?
Well, I didn’t actually eat it – it was in Iran and it was sheep’s eyeballs in yoghurt
Best hotel stayed in?
On Capri shortly before Italia 90…the ultimate freebie…my room had its own swimming pool
…and the worst?
Hotel Tirana in 1993…we were told we may have to share but I didn’t realise my room-mate would be a rat…the rat also complained
Favourite football writer?
As a young lad I always loved reading Hugh McIlvaney (Sunday Times) and still do
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
The late Peter Jones had a voice and vocabulary that is unsurpassed
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
For young players to be educated in media relations
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Australia v England, the Ashes, in Sydney (with England winning)
Last book read?
Scouting For Moyes by Les Padfield…a little gem
Favourite current TV programme?
Romanzo Criminale on Sky Arts 1…set in Rome in the 1970s…terrific
Your most prized football memorabilia?
My 1966 World Cup final ticket signed by the two captains, Bobby Moore and Uwe Seeler
You can read Christopher Davies, a former chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, in the People and hear him every Tuesday at 7am on talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show with Alan Brazil and Ronnie Irani

Emotional Henry receives Tribute Award

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Thierry Henry collected the 2011 Football Writers Association Tribute Award at a gala dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London on Sunday January 16.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward, 33, now enjoying life in the United States with Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls, was guest of honour as the FWA returned to The Savoy for the first time since it’s multi-million pound refurbishment three years ago.

Once more, some of football’s leading names attended, including former England striker Gary Lineker, himself a former winner of this award in 1997, Howard Wilkinson, Sam Allardyce, West Ham manager Avram Grant and Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier.

FWA Executive Secretary Paul Hetherington paid tribute to the late Ken Montgomery before the formal proceedings of the dinner, as well as sending best wishes to FWA members Dennis Signy and Danny Fullbrook who could not make the dinner because of ill health.

Actor, broadcaster, journalist and life-long Arsenal fan Tom Watt spoke of his personal memories of watching Henry in action, helping fire the Gunners to an unprecedented period of success, including their Invincibles campaign of 2003/2004

An impromptu speech from Houllier followed, as the former Liverpool boss recalled his time working with Henry while a youngster within the French national team set-up – and even quipped he would be happy to see the pair re-united at Villa Park this season!

FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer of the People, felt Henry was a worthy winner of the 2011 Tribute Award to add to his three-time Footballer of the Year accolade.

He said: “Words like ‘great’ and ‘world class’ are often over-used in our industry, but tonight we are honouring a player for whom those superlatives are justified.

“Thierry brought style and grace to the Premier League, and a killer touch in front of goal.

“At three times during his eight years at Arsenal, Thierry was named FWA Footballer of the Year.

“We are not an easy bunch to please, and that is a unique feat which still to this day remains unbeaten, and may not be for some years to come.”

The BBC once again provided a DVD of Henry’s playing career, with comment from Jonathan Pearce.

In accepting his award, Henry looked back on his time at Arsenal with great fondness, remembering some of his former team-mates.

Henry said: “Seeing that video got me a bit emotional.

“Every time I hear the press talking about the guys who came across to play in the Premier League, it is always about the flare, but I would not have been the player I was here without guys like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

“I would also like to thank the journalists. I was not always happy with what you were saying, but that always gave me extra power to give my best.

“I always tried to give my best, sometimes that was not enough. Maybe I was sometimes moody and not always smiling, but the intention was always there inside.”

Henry continued: “Nothing can ever top playing for Arsenal, the understanding I had with the fans, my team-mates and the boss – without him I would not be standing here right now.

“I know you guys all said it was a privilege to see me play, but I would also like to return that to you.

“Everything changed for me when I came to England. It was a real pleasure and privilege to play in this league at Arsenal.

“Thank you for everything.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had taken the time to give a personal tribute to his former captain to the FWA, and believes the Premier League may never have seen a player quite like Henry.

“During his career with Arsenal, Thierry won the FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and each was justly deserved because during those seasons, there was no better player in the Premier League,” Wenger said.

“Thierry was really special. During his best period with Arsenal, he could make the difference at any time, and score anywhere at any moment.

“When he really had decided ‘now I will do it’, he always did it. Nobody could stop him.”

Keith Meadows passes away

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Keith Meadows, a former sports reporter on the Daily Mirror in Manchester, has died following a long battle against cancer.

Meadows, 69, was NUJ FOC when Robert Maxwell shut down the northern operation in 1988 and played a major part in negotiating pay-offs for the staff.

His non-religious service will be held at Fred Hamer’s Funeral Home, James Street, Rawtenstall, Lancashire on Friday Aug 26 at 1pm. He will be laid to rest shortly afterwards at Rawtenstall cemetery, where he often walked his dogs.

A celebration of his extraordinary life will then take place in his favourite pub, The Black Dog, in his home village of Crawshawbooth just up the road from Rawtenstall from 2pm.

He wasn’t a fan of flowers, just York City, so any donations please to MacMillan Cancer Support or the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary near Ramsbottom.

Meadows leaves a son, Mark, who is European sports correspondent for Reuters based in London after a four-year stint in Milan.

FWA National Golf Day

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The FWA National Golf Day is back! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Vauxhall, the 2011 event will be held on Monday October 3 on the New Course at the London Hatfield Golf Club, which is about ten minutes from junction 24 of the M25.

The format will be the same as when the Day used to be held at Mottram Hall. There will be bacon rolls and coffee on arrival before a mid morning shotgun start. A warm buffet will be served afterwards along with prize giving.

The competition will be arranged in teams of four, with the best two Stableford scores (from ¾ handicap) on each hole counting to the team score. There will be an individual prize for the highest scoring FWA member.

Please fill in the form below to complete your application.

PLEASE NOTE APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9 STRICTLY AT 3pm.

You may apply to enter singly, or with up to three guests to form a team. Guests should be related to the football or newspaper industry, please. Please indicate the handicaps of those for which you apply. In the event that demand exceeds the supply of places, then preference will be given initially to accommodate FWA members.

For those who want to stop over, there is a special FWA rate available from the nearby DeVere Ponsbourne Park hotel, about 5 – 10 minutes drive away, at £29 B&B for Sunday night October 2nd, and £59 B&B for Monday night. There are a limited number of rooms available at that rate (20 each night), and they must be booked by September 15 to get that rate. People who want them should e-mail direct to Sarah Shackleton at the hotel on sshackleton@deverevenues.co.uk England will most likely be holding press conferences at The Grove on Tuesday morning ahead of that week’s international (we anticipate a number of FA staff, possibly including Fabio Capello, will be taking part).

St Mary’s report, July 2011

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The Football Writers’ Association national committee is pleased report that following discussions with John Nagle at the Football League, Southampton have agreed to resume holding post-match conferences upstairs in their excellent former press room rather than in the players’ tunnel, which had become customary but unsatisfactory in the past few seasons. The club have also agreed to an FWA request that opposing managers are brought up separately rather than at the same time.

Brighton and Hove Albion regret the “teething problems” working journalists experienced during their first Championship match against Doncaster at their new Amex Stadium on Saturday, August 6. National committee member Tony Hudd visited the Amex Stadium the following Tuesday and was assured by press officer Paul Camillin that the club were working hard to resolve the few problems.

The general consensus among journalists on the night was that the press facilities were exceptional.

Falmer Stadium Report, July 2011

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Since leaving their beloved Goldstone Ground in 1997, Brighton and Hove Albion endured a nomadic existence, lodging first in Kent at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium until 1999 before calling the cramped Withdean “home” until this year.

For supporters and press alike, the wait for a purpose-built stadium has been interminable.

That wait ends on Saturday, August 6 when the Albion kick off the 2011-2012 campaign against Doncaster in their stunning £93 million new home at Falmer. The 22,376 capacity Amex Stadium boasts state of the art press facilities, as FWA national commitee members Brian Scovell and Tony Hudd discovered on a specially arranged guided tour under the auspices of club press officer Paul Camillin.

Press Box

This is situated above the players’ tunnel and contains 50 padded seats. Under each seat is a power socket and ISDN lines are available. The club also intend installing screen monitors for the purpose of action replays. There is ample leg room under each of the desks while access in and out of the press box is easy. It is an exceedingly comfortable press box affording excellent views of the pitch whose dimensions are the same as those at Wembley. While we were there, the club we experimenting with a swipe card that would assist reporters in moving around.

Press Lounge

This is even bigger than Wembley’s and Brighton consider it the largest in the country. There is ample room for after-match interviews and to assist working journalists there are 50 power points. It is adjacent to the mixed zone. There is a problem with phone signals in the lounge which the club intend solving by the time the season starts.

Food and drink

Pre-match complimentary teas, coffees and soft drinks are available for the press while homemade pies, sandwiches and cakes will be served at half-time. Reporters from the North or Midlands should be able to purchase a pint of their favourite tipple. For instance supporters and reporters making the trip from Blackpool will be able to enjoy a pint of Thwaites!

Travel

Brighton are attempting to increase car parking space. Reporters using public transport should note that a regular service runs from Brighton to Falmer with a journey time of eight minutes. On alighting the train just walk up the slope and into the ground.

Just about everything in the Amex meets with UEFA specifications.

Be prepared to be amazed.

Carrow Road report, July 2011

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Attended by Joe Ferrari, Head of Media, and his assistant Gemma Gifford and FWA’s Brian Scovell, Tony Hudd and Jim Van Wijk.

We were assured that the club will meet the minimum requirements of the PL and if it stays up, there are plans to either knock down the main stand and build another one or extend it adding 3,000 plus seats including a topgrade press facility.

The glitzy press room, built in 2006, will remain, wifi is to be upgraded, refreshments will be better (copying the Ipswich formula), extra seats for the interview section, no-one to be allowed standing close to the dias to conduct interviews and more security is provided to keep out intruders. Manager Paul Lambert will do 8/10 interviews with rights holders, radio and TV before he comes into the room which will mean him not being interviewed by the written press for an least half an hour, or more. Non-contracted radio reports will have a combined interview in the corridor outside. Lambert is willing to do a Monday’s interviw as well, also access to a mixed zone in the same corridor.

One snag is that photographers will have to continue using the room, which could lead to overcrowding. They normally use the space on the right and it will be rather congested.

The old press box (circa 1986 with its knee crushing knees) will be revamped – long desks are to be replaced and the new ones made deeper with the obstructive box to plug in being replaced by discreet ones, the old metal seats have been oiled and tarted up with padded seats. To meet the PL requirement of 65 seats (including 15 radio positions) extra 15 seats are being put behind the top row, occupying space in a members’ bar for the written press who will be behind glass windows. The main written press section will be on the left facing the pitch and the club warn that national papers are unlikely to given two seats. However, UEFA have insisted 30 seats being installed – in a back row of the opposite stand – reserved for overseas TV and radio people. If the demand falls short, these seats could form an overflow.

CEO David McNally is adopting a tough policy about irresponsible reporting on the club’s activities and BBC (East) and the Daily Mirror have become victims of it.

Our delegation made a strong case about being sitting in with the architects from day one if the club stays up so we can put our views. Joe Ferrari agreed.

We felt this was a very positive meeting and we were all very impressed by the professionalism of Joe and Gemma. Our members will be given a warm welcome, and every possible help.

BRIAN SCOVELL
Chairman of Facilities Committee