A weekly newspaper has poached an award-winning football writer from a rival daily following its sports editor’s retirement.

Paul Rickett, pictured, has left the Rotherham Advertiser to “do other things” after 28 years in the role.

At the same time as his departure, the Advertiser has appointed Paul Davis to its sports team as Rotherham United writer after he left Sheffield daily The Star to take up the role.

As a result of the new appointment, David Beddows will switch to covering rugby union team Rotherham Titans and take charge of the production responsibilities.

New reporter Paul said: “After 32 years, I feel like I’ve come home. The Advertiser is where it started for me as a 17-year-old and I had three fabulous years there learning my craft before moving on.

“I’m a Rotherham boy and a lifelong Millers [Rotherham United] follower, so this is a dream move for me. The chance to work for newspaper and website that devotes so much of their resources to covering the club in such depth, home and away, was too good to turn down. A ‘no-brainer’, as a lot of players have said to me in interviews over the years.

“I’ve never stopped reading the Advertiser. It’s always been lying around at my mum and dad’s house, part of the fabric of their home – just as it is in so many other households in the area. Every time I popped in, I’d pick it up for ten minutes and find myself still engrossed an hour later.”

Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley said: “We’re obviously delighted to sign Paul. The fact he’s the O2 Writer of the Year and Sports Journalist of the Year for 2018, awards that are the most prestigious of their kind in the north of England, show that he’ll be a quality addition to the squad.

“Losing Paul Rickett after 28 years of great service is a massive blow, but I’m confident Paul will enable us to continue to put out a great sports section on a weekly basis as well as improve our digital coverage.

“It shows we’re serious about ensuring we deliver the most comprehensive coverage of the Millers and sport in general across South Yorkshire.”

Sports editor Paul signed off with two pages of memories in last week’s edition.

He wrote: “There have been happy days indeed in an amazing three decades, including winning the Yorkshire Sports Writer of the Year gong a decade ago and also being made an ambassador for Rotherham for the campaigning work undertaken, including a successful drive to improve First Aid facilities in local football.

“But it’s time to move on and do other things and leave one of the best sports section in the world of weeklies in the capable hands of David Beddows and new Millers writer PAul Davis.

“I’ve met some wonderful people, from the best in their game to the unsung heroes… you are all treasures of this remarkable town. I salute you all.”