The Southern Daily Echo, a regional newspaper based in Southampton, has announced the appointment of a new sports writer to cover Southampton Football Club and other local sports. Tom Wallace, a student of sports journalism at Solent University, will join the existing team of Alfie House and George Rees-Julian in providing comprehensive coverage of the Saints, who are currently playing in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League last season.
A passion for sports journalism
Tom Wallace, who is 21 years old, has been a lifelong fan of Southampton FC and has been following their ups and downs since he was a child. He has also been writing about sports for various online platforms and blogs, as well as contributing to his university’s student newspaper and radio station. He said:
Tom will also cover other local sports, such as non-league club Eastleigh and Hampshire County Cricket Club, as part of his duties. He said he is looking forward to learning from his experienced colleagues and developing his skills as a sports journalist.
A commitment to football coverage
The Daily Echo has reaffirmed its commitment to football coverage earlier this year, when it announced that it would retain two football reporters despite Southampton’s drop to the second tier of English football. Editor Ben Fishwick said:
The newspaper also launched a new online-only title called Saintsplus in March, which offers exclusive content and analysis for digital subscribers paying £4.99 per month or a £52 annual fee. The title aims to cover Southampton FC “in the most creative and interesting ways possible”, according to its website.
A new season for Southampton FC
Southampton FC have started their new season in the Championship with mixed results, winning two games, drawing two games and losing one game so far. They are currently in ninth place in the table, four points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion. The club has also undergone some changes in management and personnel, with former MK Dons manager Russell Martin taking over from Ralph Hasenhuttl in July and several players leaving or joining the club during the summer transfer window.
The Saints will face Rotherham United at home on Saturday, October 14, before heading into the international break. They will resume their campaign on October 23, when they will travel to Sheffield Wednesday.
