The Manchester Evening News is looking some to fill what must be one of football’s most sought after positions – a Manchester United editor.
In a recruitment ad today the newspaper acknowledges the transition the publisher is currently making to become a digital company saying it’s looking for a “dynamic innovator with a deep knowledge of both Manchester United and digital publishing.”
The company goes on to outline what it’s looking for in the role to “to manage and coordinate the delivery of top-class Manchester United football content which engages audience across all digital platforms.”
It includes working with a team of football writers – and also providing cover for the Manchester City Editor.
In addition the job spec requires the successful candidate to work with fans to “maintain a network of user-generated content contributors” and “ensure all our digital platforms are the turn-to source for anyone interested in Manchester United.”
Updated 13.55: A Trinity spokesman said that the position of Stuart Mathieson – the MEN’s well-known football writer since 1976, who joined the paper as Manchester United reporter in 1995 – ‘remained vital’.
He has reported on two Champions League final wins, four European Cup finals, 10 Premier League title wins, three FA Cup finals and three League Cup wins.
In a statement provided to Prolific North explaining the background to the proposals, M.E.N. Media said they would support further growth of its digital audience.
“The publisher of the Manchester Evening News and manchestereveningnews.co.uk unveiled a series of changes in the way the newsroom is run and organised.
“This forms part of the Newsroom 3.1 project which is being rolled out across Trinity Mirror’s regional newsrooms.
“Content creators and managers have already been freed to focus their time and expertise on creating compelling digital content around key content areas.
“There will be a greater emphasis on ‘behind the headlines’ coverage, more in-depth coverage of Manchester United and Manchester City and the substantial opportunity for “what’s on” content offered by the city of Manchester.
“There are a number of key new roles including Manchester United editor, Manchester City editor, social affairs editor and videographers.
“Activity is being driven by audience behaviour with content planned around audience spikes. Analytic tools are being used to guide real time decision making and forward planning.
“The M.E.N. website is now the biggest regional news website in the country and was named regional news website of the year by the Society of Editors.”
Editor in chief Rob Irvine said: “These changes will ensure the M.E.N. remains at the leading edge of digital journalism.
“The answer to the question ‘what do readers want’ changes at an extraordinary pace. Take for example the impact on people’s reading habits of the huge number of tablets received as gifts last Christmas.
“We need to keep moving forward and adapting to the ever-changing needs and interests of our readers whether they are consuming our news in print or on desktop, mobile, tablet and apps.”
Applicants interested in the role should contact Trinity Mirror at Old Hall Street in Liverpool.
