Three regional daily sports journalists with combined experience totalling 120 years have taken voluntary redundancy.
Sheffield daily The Star has bidden farewell to two of its football writers as well as the man behind its Saturday sports paper.
Les Payne has covered Rotherham United for the paper for the past 45 years, while Sheffield Wednesday writer Paul Thompson has covered the Owls for 34 years.
They are leaving together with Ian Vickers, who looks after Saturday title the Green ‘Un.
The trio were described by editor James Mitchison as “wonderful servants” of the paper.
All three have taken voluntary redundancy under the company-wide scheme to reduce staffing costs introduced last year by publisher Johnston Press.
Star assistant editor (sport) Bob Westerdale said: “It is hard to imagine how we are going to go on in our office without the energy and commitment which they displayed every day over the decades.
“But I’m sure our existing team and new recruits will step up to make our operation better than ever.”
“Their masterful command of their subject matter has been matched by their passion for sport and quality journalism.”
James added: “All three have been wonderful servants to The Star over the years. We thank them for their massive contributions to our success and they depart with our very best wishes.
“We have some talented individuals taking their place and I’m excited about the quality of sports coverage The Star will providing across its print and digital platforms in the future.”
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I had the privilege of working with all three during a month’s work experience ten years ago. Brilliant at what they did and extremely supportive, alongside Martin Smith. Thanks gents, and all the best!
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Had the privilege of sharing many a press box with all three, who are consummate professionals and quality writers of the old school. The Star should have gone down on bended knee and pleaded with them to stay. The new recruits that Bob Westerdale talks about have impossible acts to follow. You cannot replace the irreplaceable. My best wishes go to Les, Paul and Ian with thanks for some terrific memories.
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Top blokes, all three of them. They will be impossible to replace as journalists and as office personalities. I remember Les explaining Rotherham’s ‘wonder goal’ in the staff canteen with the help of four pepper pots, the salt shaker and someone else’s cup of tea – a television action replay couldn’t have illustrated it better. Enjoy your WEB (well-earned break) matey boys.
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I’ve just seen the Pensions Minister on the BBCtv News saying what a valuable asset to employers the experienced over-50s can be. Seems this does not apply in regional newspapers.
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