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Scottish football failure a ‘huge blow’ for journalism, says NUJ chief

A union chief has claimed Scotland’s failure to qualify for the football World Cup had dealt a “huge blow” to journalism in the country.

Paul Holleran, national organiser for the National Union of Journalists Scotland, believes a berth at next year’s tournament in Russia could have provided a “real boost” for journalists with an increase in circulation and advertising revenues.

Paul says sports editors had also been hoping their staffing and freelance resources would be increased should Scotland qualify.

However, a 2-2 draw against Slovenia yesterday meant any chance of a spot in the finals have now been extinguished.

Scottish players after yesterday's defeat

Scottish players after yesterday’s defeat

After the final whistle, Paul posted on Twitter: “Huge blow for Scottish football but also Scottish media. World Cup in Russia would’ve been real boost for journalism.”

Speaking to HTFP, he added: “I witnessed tangible excitement on sports desks across Scotland last week. Scotland and the Tartan Army were on the brink of making it to the World Cup in Russia next year.

“Sports editors had some hopes that their staffing and freelance resources would be increased at least for a few months. Reporters were building their hopes up and checking put the possibilities of travelling to Moscow or Novosibirsk as part of a trip of a lifetime.

“The sporting challenge as well as the politics of Russia, including the behaviour of so called football casuals, were all on the agenda.

“All Scotland needed to do was win against Slovenia. Despite hitting the bar twice it wasn’t to be and another near miss for the Scots has been logged in the hard luck book.”

By the time of next summer’s finals, it will be 20 years since Scotland last qualified for a World Cup.

Added Paul: “I do genuinely think it would have meant bigger budgets for newspaper and broadcast sports editors to cover the event and it certainly would have provided a much needed boost to advertising and circulations.

“The thickness of the woodwork and late sitter has disappointed many fans but also delivered a blow to the Scottish media, but hey these things are sent to try us.”

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  • October 9, 2017 at 2:12 pm
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    It could be a huge boost to the Scottish economy. The Tartan Army will be staying at home and drowning their sorrows, rather than buying beer by the rouble. Have you factored that in!!!

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