A footballer’s transfer deadline day switch between two local rivals left a regional daily with a delicate balancing act to perform on its front page.

The Bristol Post splashed yesterday on Bristol Rovers forward Matty Taylor’s move across the River Avon to Bristol City.

The Post reflected its two-club patch by depicting Taylor wearing half a Rovers shirt and half a City shirt on the front, with a quote from an anonymous supporter of each club either side.

Taylor has scored 19 goals this season for Rovers, who are currently eighth in League One, English football’s third tier.  City sit 20th in the Championship, the division above.

The Post also provided coverage on page five inside yesterday’s edition, as well as in its sports section on page 39.

Philippa Jenkins, the Post’s head of sport, told HTFP: “When covering two clubs that are based in the same city it a case of making sure our coverage is as balanced as possible.

“The art of balancing is of course a challenge, and something the fans certainly scrutinise us for.

“We try to enhance the balance by giving the fans a voice, which we hope adds to the authenticity of our content. The tone is crucial and by galvanising the reaction from both sides of the fence, like we have in yesterday’s paper, it helps our tone remain measured and fair.”