Kent Messenger group chief football writer Tony Hudd has accepted aninvitation to become vice-chairman of the Football Writers’ Association witha view to taking the chair next year.

Tony, a long-serving member of the FWA national committee, will make history in 2002 by becoming the first writer from a regional newspaper to behonoured with the prestigious position which is normally given to No1football writers on national papers.

“It’s a great honour and I was flattered when the invitation was extended,” said Tony.

“At the moment I’m shadowing the present chairman, Paul McCarthy of the Sunday People, with a view to going solo in 2002.

“It will be a nerve-wracking experience, especially getting up and making a speech in front of 800 people at our annual dinner.

“I’ve long believed that football writers deserve better working facilities, especially in the lower divisions, and also improved access to players after matches.

“I’m committed to that cause and I shall continue working towards that aim through on-going discussions with both the Premier and Football Leagues.

“I’m in the process of establishing a media liaison committee with theFootball League and am trying lay down ground rules for interviewingrefereess after matches.

“We’ve made a breakthrough with a number agreeing tobe interviewed on Match of the Day but there is still a great deal of workto be done.”

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