November 30, 2015

As Winter finally arrives at The Times, Telegraph, Independent and Sun all complete their own sports transfers

Henry Winter made his debut in The Times this weekend, with his work promoted on the front page of both Saturday’s and today’s editions (below).

Press Gazette broke news of Winter’s departure from The Daily Telegraph after 21 years in March. He has been on gardening leave since the summer after serving a lengthy notice period.

On his move, Winter said: "Writing for The Times has been an ambition since I was a schoolboy, marvelling at Geoffrey Green's mastery of the English language and passion for the game.

“Green retired as football correspondent in 1976 but his reports remain timeless and I grew up on those.

“It’s a privilege to join such a brilliant team of Times writers who I have long admired. It's quite a line-up: Brazil '70 with laptops."

Times editor John Witherow described Winter as a “first class journalist who brings flair and verve to every piece, whether an interview with the biggest star or a match report filed on deadline. Times readers will be excited to have him join our team."

Meanwhile, the Telegraph announced the appointment of The Times’s James Ducker as northern football correspondent.

Telegraph head of sport Adam Sills said: "We have the best football commentators, writers and experts in Fleet Street. James is a great appointment and we look forward to him joining our unrivalled team."

Ducker replaces Mark Ogden, who is moving to The Independent as chief football correspondent, according to the Sports Journalists Association.

Ogden is replacing Sam Wallace, who has been appointed as chief football writer for the Telegraph.

Elsewhere, according to the Sports Journalists Association, Daily Mail football news correspondent Neil Ashton is to join The Sun as chief football reporter.

There have been a number of other moves between national newspaper sports desks since Winter’s transfer to The Times.

In August, the Telegraph announced the appointment of former Independent on Sunday editor John Mullin as head of sports news.

Former Daily Mail trainee and sports editor Alex Kay-Jelski has moved to The Times as sports editor.

And Evening Standard sports editor Tim Nichols is moving up a floor in Northcliffe House to become deputy sports editor of the Daily Mail.

On Saturday, the Daily Mail (below) and Telegraph (above right) both described themselves as "best" for football, while The Times said Winter had joined the "ultimate football team".