The OAFC HGT team were delighted to sit down with the Oldham Times sports reporter to find out more about her route into the typically male dominated world of sports journalism, how Latics "charmed" her and why she's a huge fan of the HGT movement.
When/how did you get into journalism?
It all started with Michael Parkinson and his series of book children’s books called The Woofits, which not a lot of people seem to remember but as a child I loved them, and especially the character, Angela Woofit, who wanted to become a newsreader. I guess that’s where the first seed of working in a newsroom was planted.
I never saw myself doing television but I’ve always loved writing, and football, so it made sense (to me anyway) that the two would go hand in hand. I was 10 years old when I decided I wanted to be a football writer. My family encouraged me to get a degree, but I just wanted to take the quickest route possible, so when I heard about a pre-entry diploma in Newspaper Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire I applied, never imagining that I’d get a place as there were only 25 available and hundreds of applicants. But I did, and I’ll never forget the morning the letter arrived telling me I’d been successful - an absolute dream come true, and I made friends for life on that course.
We were told there was a 95 per cent chance of getting a job at the end of the course and before our final exam I was offered a job as a junior news reporter. I’d stressed at interview that my long-term goal was to be a sports journalist, and my editor - Adrian Purslow - was so supportive in that, allowing me to cover for the sports editor when he was on annual leave, and 18 months later, having completed my traineeship and passing my exams, I got an internal move within the group onto a sports desk full time.
Have you always been into football?
As a child, whenever there was sport on the television it was on in our house. My mum is a retired PE teacher and my dad was a prolific goalscorer in amateur football, and loved most sports, so Grandstand, Saint and Greavsie and Match of the Day were our most watched programmes before Sky Sports came along and we could take our pick at all times of day. But football was the main one.
Is the Latics reporter thing ‘just a job’ or would you consider yourself a fan?
I’m not a supporter in the traditional sense but I’ve been completely charmed by the club and I’m desperate for them to get back in the Football League. I was delighted when the new owners came on board and saved the club because I dread to think what would have happened otherwise. There are some fabulous people at this football club, which has helped me to fall in love with Latics even more.
Suzanne with Latics Legend David Eyres
What have been your most memorable moments covering Latics?
The first mass demonstration I covered in September 2021 gave me a real insight into the strength of feeling among supporters towards the Lemsagam brothers. The Harrogate away game (another low) also sticks out. I’ve never witnessed an atmosphere as angry as that one in the away end that day. But, looking back, it proved to be a tipping point towards a brighter future.
Scunthorpe and Stevenage away were unbelievable atmospheres for very different reasons - so loud and uplifting, backing the team to two big results. Sadly, it wasn’t enough in the end.
The best moments centre around the change of ownership - the Rowthwells’ first press conference, when Frank waved his flat cap from the window at the crowd below, and then went downstairs to sing to them, then the procession of thousands down Sheepfoot Lane ahead of the first home game of the season was a sight to behold.
How does it feel to be a female in what’s typically a male dominated profession?
I don’t know if it’s because it’s something I’d wanted to do for so long, and everyone around me knew it, but I’ve never felt like I don’t belong. Generally speaking there are lots more women in football journalism then when I started but I’d say they’re mostly in broadcast. We are still quite a rare breed in the written press, but it’s brilliant and inspiring to see women in senior positions at regional and national newspapers, like Anna Kessel, who is The Telegraph’s Women’s Sports Editor, and closer to home Alice McKeegan, who is the Manchester Evening News’ football editor, while Laura Williamson is deputy editor of The Athletic. All brilliant, and all great role models.
Have you come across any prejudice/negativity whilst reporting on Latics because of your gender?
I’d be lying if I said no… you can’t please everyone whether you’re male or female but I can’t think of many men who would be told to get back in the kitchen (even though some of the best chefs in the world are men!) Ironically enough, with working from home quite a lot I actually filed the story this person took umbrage with from my kitchen.
What advice would you give to girls who want to get into sports journalism?
Believe in yourself, be yourself, work hard, and follow your dreams. If it’s what you truly want to do, you’ll get there.
What do you think of Her Game Too? Is it necessary?
I think it’s a brilliant movement that can help women feel safer and more included. I’ve never felt unsafe at a football match because of my gender, but I’ve heard some awful, really shocking accounts of other women’s experiences. So if there’s something in place, like HGT, to help highlight that and eradicate that, or give support to women and girls who perhaps feel vulnerable in any way and create a community that can only be a positive.
What position do you think Latics will end up in this season?
I'm certain things will quickly start to improve now injured players are returning and David Unsworth is putting his own stamp on the squad. Play-off positions might be out of reach now, but it’s a tight league so if they can get on a run, who knows. But I’d expect at least a top half finish and then build again for next year.