Just a few hours remain for FWA members to cast their vote for the Footballer of the Year. Voting closes at midnight tonight, Sunday May 7, so make sure you have registered your vote, either online or by contacting FWA executive secretary Paul McCarthy.
The winner will be announced on the morning of Monday May 8.
Watch this space #FOTY
The Football Writers’ Association yesterday made a statement in which we called for a resolution to our members being banned on Merseyside.
We do not represent the interests of news organisations but have an obligation to respond to issues raised by any individual member in respect of bans by clubs or organisations.
For many years, the FWA has been actively involved in dispute resolution at clubs all over England, sometimes successfully, sometimes unsuccessfully.
For clarification, we would like to make it clear that our sponsors neither influenced nor endorsed our decision, it was a statement designed purely to outline the Association’s position.
The Football Writers’ Association is concerned by the recent bans imposed on The Sun by Liverpool FC and Everton FC.
While the FWA understands the upset caused by the presence and views of columnist Kelvin MacKenzie, the organisation feels that its members, the football journalists, are being unfairly punished for actions which have nothing to do with them.
The FWA has always believed in the fundamental principle that all of its members have a right to carry out their jobs and should not be banned because of the actions of others.
Following discussions at National Committee level, we believe the clubs should reconsider these bans and work with the FWA and Premier League to resolve the situation.
Voting is now open for the 2017 Footballer of the Year, ahead of the dinner on May 18 at the Landmark Hotel, London.
Jamie Vardy won a hotly-contested vote last May, and it is likely to be just as competitive this season with so many high-profile players in the running.
It will be a special occasion as the FWA marks its 70th anniversary since being formed in 1947, after which Sir Stanley Matthews became the first Footballer of the Year.
Sir Stan was a perfect example of the fundamental principle of the award, which is it should go “to the player who by precept and example, on the field and off, shall be considered to have done the most for football.”
Members will be able to vote online via the FWA website, or by contacting executive secretary Paul McCarthy. The deadline for all votes will be midnight on May 7.
You can see a list of past winners here: http://footballwriters.co.uk/previous-foty/
Calling all sports journalism students
The FWA is opening a new category of membership for aspiring football writers who are studying sports or football journalism in all forms of media, priced at only £5 per season.
Student members do not enjoy the same voting rights as full members for the Footballer of the Year, or discounted tickets to the main FWA dinners, but will receive the FWA handbook which is an invaluable resource for budding journalists. FWA members are always happy to pass on advice and give opportunities to young football journalists, and being part of the association can be a valuable asset for any aspiring journalist.
For more information, or to apply for membership, please contact John Ley, our membership secretary in the feedback box below or via this link: Click
Amy Lawrence of the Guardian is on this week’s podcast discussing Arsene Wenger’s situation at Arsenal and other matters – go to this link https://audioboom.com/posts/5693936-the-fwa-podcast-friday-10-march?t=0 
The Football Writers Association notes the recent decision by Liverpool FC to ban The Sun. As an organisation that believes in relationships with all clubs and good conduct we regret the impact on members and will continue to support them. We do understand the hurt and anger caused by the original story published in 1989.
Wayne Rooney celebrated his record-breaking success in style when he was honoured at the FWA’s Tribute Evening.
Just 24 hours after becoming Manchester United’s leading goal-scorer, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record which had stood for more than four decades, Wayne was guest of honour at a glittering event at The Savoy.
In front of almost 400 guests, Wayne received his trophy from FWA chairman, Patrick Barclay, who described him as a ‘genuine role model’ and paid tribute to not only the United star’s goal-scoring prowess but also his selflessness.
Patrick was joined by former England manager, Roy Hodgson, who gave Wayne the captaincy and watched him mature both as a player and a man.
Hodgson said: “When I first met Wayne, I didn’t know what to expect but I met a man who just loved to play football. Whenever a young player came into the squad for the first time, it was Wayne who put an arm round his shoulder and made him feel welcome.”
Wayne’s former United team-mate, Darren Fletcher, joined in with the praise – and talked about the competitive streak which singled him out even as a teenager joining from Everton.
“He was absolutely driven from the first training session after joining United. There are so many qualities to him and that’s what has made him the leading scorer and most capped outfield player for England and now the greatest goal-scorer in Manchester United’s history.”
From FWA Chairman Patrick Barclay:
To all football writers, Graham Taylor was a very special football manager, one of our own in the sense that he understood journalism from the early age due to the work of his dad. Some of us even had the pleasure of meeting Tom in his domain, the press boxes of Lincolnshire, and therefore we understood that parental influence had contributed to Graham’s wonderfully cheerful personality and unfailing good manners, both of which were exhibited in the face of adversity as well as the more convivial atmosphere of a pre-match cup of tea during his later life as an analyst.
Graham had a lovely sense of humour and a keen eye for pomposity in a pundit or even a fellow manager who seemed to be getting above himself. But everything he said was good-natured. He was a decent footballer and an exceptional manager and yet most of us will him as remember one of the game’s truly fine men. Our sympathies are with his family and friends.
The Football Writers’ Association would like to offer our condolences to the family of Graham Taylor, who passed away suddenly after a suspected heart attack.
Graham was a great football man and good friend of the FWA, who received our Tribute award at the Savoy Hotel in 2002 for his achievements in the game, particularly as manager of Watford, Aston Villa and England.
At the dinner, Graham spoke about his relationship with football writers, and recalled his early days working in the pressbox at Scunthorpe United, where his father Tommy was football reporter for the Scunthorpe Telegraph. Tommy was also a Hayters correspondent responsible for sending through goalflashes to BBC’s Grandstand and newspapers, and Graham recalled the first time he had been entrusted with the stopwatch as a young boy. “My father said to me ‘You’ve got to get this right, it’s a matter of record’ and I realised then how important was the job of a football reporter,” said Graham.
As a manager he always had time for the press and became firm friends with many reporters, even though he suffered a great deal of criticism during his time as England manager. He also enjoyed a fine career in the media after management, as a well-respected radio commentator and expert.
Most of all, we remember Graham for his ready smile, unfailing courtesy and willingness to talk with great knowledge about the game he loved.
He will be sadly missed.
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