Sunday 7 October 2012

Interview with Mickey Thomas - The change of relationship between footballers and journalists

The relationship between footballers and journalists has become more distant, according to ex-footballer Mickey Thomas, because footballers “don’t want the publicity” and they have become more “professional.”

During the 1970s and 1980s, journalists would have good relationships with footballers. They would travel with each other to matches, go out together for meals and drinking after games and there would be a lot of trust with one another.

Sadly, this relationship and trust between journalist and footballer no longer exists in the modern era because players no longer want to be in the public eye.

Ex-Wrexham and Manchester United footballer Mickey Thomas said: “There’s no relationship between a journalist and a player because they [the players] don’t want the publicity.”

“Everyone gets stick, everyone gets praise but some players don’t like that,” he added: “They should be able to accept it. They think they’re exempt from criticism which really disappoints me.”

When a player receives this unwanted criticism, it could spell disaster for the journalist who produced the article.

Thomas said: “You say one thing wrong about a footballer, he won’t speak to you ever again [and] he’ll put you to one side.”

30 to 40 years ago though, this relationship between footballer and journalist was a lot different.

“They used to come on the plane with you and come out drinking,” Thomas said: “Now, that’s been put to one side as it’s gone more professional.”

Thomas went on and offered advice for aspiring journalist wishing to report about football.

“Try and get more stories that are true. Then you’ll earn respect and confidence from players.”

“If you start off by getting a sensational story, you’ll never get anywhere in the football world. You have to earn respect from football clubs. You do that and you’ve got a chance,” he added.

“It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s a long road and you’ve got to work at it.”

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