A regional daily’s head of sport has left the newspaper after almost 29 years following a review which will see his department work “more closely” with a sister title’s staff.
Neil Perrett has announced his departure from the role the Bournemouth Echo, although he will continue to work for the paper in a freelance capacity.
His redundancy comes after owner Newsquest undertook a review of its sport operation at both the Bournemouth Echo and its Southampton-based sister daily the Southern Daily Echo which will see closer working between the two titles, although it is understood that their sports desks are not merging.
In his new freelance capacity, Neil will continue to cover AFC Bournemouth for the Echo.
Neil Perrett, left, with AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe
Posting about his departure on Twitter, Neil said: he had “enjoyed every day” while on the Echo’s staff.
He added: “Honoured and privileged to have covered [AFC Bournemouth], my dream job. Worked with fantastic people at the paper and club. Huge thanks to everyone. All the best.”
His post prompted hundreds of responses from fellow journalists, football fans and ex-players.
Among them was former England midfielder Darren Anderton, who wrote: “Sorry to hear that mate. Hope you’re proud of your 29 years and the way you’ve conducted yourself with the football club.
“Certainly one of the best I’ve ever dealt with. Enjoy whatever the future has in store for you and hopefully see you soon.”
TV presenter Jacqui Oatley added: “Really sorry to hear that. Hope to see you on the beat soon.”
And Gary Lawrence, former Oxford Mail and Swindon Advertiser editor, said: “Really sorry to hear that Neil. The good news is that there’s life, a good life, on the other side and you’ll flourish. I don’t hear anyone who left wishing they were back there.”
No other jobs have been placed at risk as a result of the review.
A Newsquest spokesman said: “We continue to look at ways of working more efficiently across our business. We have recently had a review of the sport departments in Bournemouth and Southampton which will now be working more closely to help provide each other with the relevant sport content in their region.
“Sadly, this has led to Bournemouth’s head of sport, Neil Perrett, leaving the company.
“However, we are pleased that Neil will continue to provide coverage of AFC Bournemouth in a freelance capacity.”
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Working more closely together but the two sports departments will not merge. Pull the other one.
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In no other business – no other – would any company just let someone with that amount of knowledge, experience and contacts just walk away for no obvious gain for either party. And it’s not just Newsquest – Archant, JP, Reach… they’re all at it. The beancounters know best! The lack of experience now shows in every single paper across the UK at times.
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I hope it works out but NQ do not have a good track record. Staff at my local NQ morning paper don’t even bother to acknowledge free copy when it is sent in, let alone answer queries. They must be completely over-run.
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