Club Journalism: The Inside Story
Throughout my time creating the Club Journalist Hub I have had the pleasure to speak to multiple Club Journalists who all “love” and do not take their job for “granted.”
So for me, what was extremely interesting and heartfelt was to hear them speak so passionately on the industry as a whole, having them almost tell me what it’s like from the inside, with Journalists claiming that it’s an “honour” and some claiming that “it’s a joy” to be a part of.
Rangers FC: Mark Carrick (Graphic Designer)
In early January of this year, I had the privilege to interview Ranger’s Mark Carrick, a graphic designer for the club who claims to be working and to be a part of the club is “such” a joy.
“So many people care about the club, so many people are passionate about it, people love it. And, to be a part of that is such a joy.”
“And you’re ultimately displaying how the club is seen. Everything you put, everything I make is what everyone sees as Rangers Football Club and that to me is just amazing.”
Everton FC: Ross Hughes (Content Producer)
“There’s definitely pressure working for a football club. But you have to invite that and accept the responsibility of working for a football club.”
“For me as a human being I can firmly say; I’m in love with Everton. I’m there watching Premier League games for a living.”
“Having grown up around Instagram it’s unbelievable for me to be able to say that my work is seen by millions of people.”
“Sometimes it’s scary. But again that comes with our job. Having that responsibility and pressure is an honour because you’re representing a club that is so prestigious and something that means so much to so many people and fans around the world.”
Carlisle United: James Gates (Marketing & Media Officer)
When speaking with Carlisle’s James Gates, he was extremely complimentary of the whole team of Club Journalists, evoking that it’s a proper “team” effort.
“It’s not just me doing everything — it’s a proper team effort.”
“We’ve got two other full-time members of staff in the marketing and media team, and on matchdays there’s a lot of support as well — videographers, photographers, extra social media support — everyone plays a part in making sure everything runs smoothly.”
“A normal 3pm home game, I’ll usually be in from around 9am, and we’ll have a team meeting at 11am just to run through everything for the day and make sure we’re all aligned.”
“My role is more the final piece of that really — making sure everything gets out across socials, tailored for each platform, and keeping everything consistent in style.”
“We’ve also grown that side of things recently. Someone’s come in to focus purely on the academy socials, which has been a really positive step.”
“My background in football media was actually working on academy socials at Mansfield Town and Morecambe, so I know how important it is to promote this properly.”
“At the end of the day, what supporters see online is just the finished product — but behind that there’s a full team working across different areas to make sure everything is covered properly to the best possible standard.”
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