A regional daily has flown a reporter to Turkey in a fresh show of its commitment to football coverage.

The Southern Daily Echo is covering Southampton FC’s pre-season tour of Turkey, with Alfie House covering their game against Goztepe this Saturday.

Alfie, pictured, will also be attending training and undertaking interviews with players and staff.

The Echo’s coverage of the tour is being financially supported by Grosvenor Casino via a sponsored content article, as well as a banner ad in all of Alfie’s online articles.

In May, the Echo committed to retaining two football reporters despite Southampton being relegated from the Premier League.

Editor Ben Fishwick told HTFP: “Thousands of Saints fans turn to the Echo to follow Southampton FC so it made complete sense to send Alfie out to Turkey.

“Our coverage of Saints pre-season is a further sign – if one were needed – of how committed the Echo is to serving our huge audience.

“I’m proud that as a regional daily we’re able to send a sports reporter out to cover pre-season and look forward to reading Alfie’s reports.

“Digital subscribers will be able to access the full coverage – and now is a good time to subscribe with our offer of £4 for 4 months.”