A single reporter is set to cover two football clubs 60 miles apart after his colleague left a regional publisher.

Hampshire Live’s Southampton FC reporter Mark Wyatt has added coverage of Brighton & Hove Albion for Reach plc sister title Sussex Live to his portfolio after Richard Mills left the business.

Richard’s departure comes after group-wide cuts at Reach that have also led to Daniel Davies, who covered AFC Bournemouth for Dorset Live, leaving the company – with no new stories about the Premier League club published by the title since mid-April.

Mark has confirmed he will “still be going to games” in his new role, but HTFP has asked Reach for further information on how it will cover both clubs in the event of kick-off clashes.

Albion are set to play in European competition for the first time in the 2023-24 season following a successful Premier League campaign, while Southampton were relegated from the division last month and will play in the second tier Championship from August.

Richard, pictured, posted on Twitter last Monday: “I have now covered my last Brighton game for Sussex Live.

“I am sad it is ending this way but I just want to thank everyone who has followed me, read my work, and been so welcoming over the past few seasons.

“It’s been the best experience and I hope there’s more to come.”

Mark added: “After a worrying few months, I’m pleased to say I’ll be sticking around for the foreseeable future but in a slightly different role.

“From today, I’ll be covering both Southampton and Brighton for Hampshire Live and Sussex Live.

“It’ll be a challenge, but I’m very excited to get going.

“For those wondering, this will affect my current Saints coverage slightly but we’re still working out the kinks in what is a new type of role for my company.

“Rest assured, I’ll still be going to games and doing all I can to keep across every bit of news for both clubs.

“I’m sad to see so many wonderful colleagues leaving the business but I will be doing my best to keep the excellent work that Richie Mills has done covering Brighton going. Some big shoes to step into.”

The changes come after rival publisher Newsquest committed to retaining two journalists to cover Southampton at the Southern Daily Echo despite the club’s relegation.