A regional publisher has appointed one of its most senior sports journalists to a new social media role.

Tom Marshall-Bailey, pictured, has announced he is moving to Reach plc’s social team after 10 months as the group’s head of fan brands.

In his most recent role, Tom had overseen specialist titles aimed at football supporters such as The Arsenal Way.

He will now work with Reach’s head of social media and engagement Dan Russell in his new post as social media insights and development editor for sport.

Announcing the move on Twitter, Tom also praised Reach’s senior sport editor (customer) Kristian Walsh.

He wrote: “Have held off properly announcing until now but a new role for me at Reach as I move onto the social insights side of the business working in Dan Russell1’s team, albeit still with a focus on sport. Looking forward to a new chapter in my eighth year with the company.

“Had a great time in charge of a brilliant team as part of the fan brands project and while there are too many people to thank, everyone who played a part in launching something from scratch and building what we did should all be proud of themselves.

“Hope those from the fan brands family still here will continue to be huge successes. And for those who moved on to new adventures, I’m sure you all have bright futures ahead.

“Been a great experience and one I won’t forget. Thanks Kristian Walsh too for being a boss, erm, boss.”

Tom has previously served in roles at the publisher including editor of Football.London and head of football for Yorkshire.