George’s One Club Challenge

A football reporter who previously covered 10 clubs for PA is now looking forward to covering just one after taking a new role with a Midlands newspaper.

George Bennett, who previously worked for PA on behalf of Reach plc, has been unveiled as the new Walsall FC reporter for the Express & Star. At PA, he was responsible for reporting on around 10 different clubs in the North-East of England and Yorkshire.

Originally from Calne, in Wiltshire, George is a former student at the University of Gloucestershire.

Introducing himself to Express & Star readers, George (pictured) wrote: “My primary aim will be to keep supporters updated with the latest events unfolding at the club. However, I will also delve into the history books, and evoke nostalgia with a few features on popular figures among the fan base, and historic matches and events.

“Writing long-read features is one of my biggest strengths, and finding the right voices to bring a story to life is a challenge which I relish. I have experience at my hometown club Calne Town and spent a season at Cheltenham Town during my final year at the University of Gloucestershire.

“Both roles taught me how much a football club means to the community and I will adopt that philosophy and approach in my role at the Express & Star.”

“I made my first steps into the industry on a full-time basis with PA Media, and contributed to a number of publications on the daytime newsdesk at Reach plc, including the Mirror, Chronicle Live and Leeds Live.

“My previous role consisted of reporting on number of clubs in the North-East such as Leeds United and Newcastle United. I now look forward to focusing on one specific club and will do my utmost to cover Walsall to the best possible standard.”

Last season’s early promise ended in disappointment for Walsall FC – and now the club is braced for a busy summer after releasing eleven players at the end of the 22-23 season