By Joe Skillicorn
“I actually think being a supporter of a club you’re covering can be both a blessing and a curse”.
Since 2019, Patrick Boyland has worked as Everton’s correspondent for The Athletic, a subscription-based sports department linked with The New York Times.
Today, we delve into his career, but we’re pushed for time. Boyland informs me he’s expecting an imminent phone call he can’t afford to miss, yet remains coy on the subject matter.
“I always loved writing, formulating articles and essays and that kind of stuff, so I kind of fell into it I suppose”, Boyland remarks when quizzed on his uncustomary journey to becoming a sports journalist.
Growing up as an Evertonian, Boyland chose the academic route, going on to study English at University. After spending time abroad as a foreign language teacher, he used his passion for writing to forge a successful career in journalism, first as a freelancer before going on to work for several high-profile sports media outlets.
“I think it’s very important when you’re starting out in the industry to have multiple strings to your bow. I don’t think you can afford to be pigeonholed early in your career. I think that’s quite important when you’re starting out, that you show willing, and you’re able to cover whatever is put in front of you”, Boyland says.
To no surprise, Boyland articulates his answers in a skilful and measured manner. Afterall, he does boast a wealth of experience from down the years, including writing for the Mail Online, ESPN and Sportsbeat, along with also having been featured in the Guardian. The former, of which led Boyland to swapping Merseyside for the capital, led him to receiving some insightful guidance.
“I was told very early in my journalistic career that I needed what an employer described to me as major newsroom experience. I moved to London from Liverpool, building up the portfolio to where I wanted to be”, he says.
The Evolution of Data
In recent years, football at the elite level has been revolutionised more than ever with data implementation, from expected goals (XG) to scouting and recruitment. Yet, what does Boyland make of it regarding its place in sports journalism?
“Journalism is ever changing, and it’s certainly changed in the nearly six years I’ve been in this job now with The Athletic. In that time, we’ve seen a rise in data journalism”.
He continues, “I don’t ever want to just completely write about data and topics related to data. My desire is more to craft the narrative that uses data to help form an argument- it’s not the sole focus of a piece”.
A New Era
Yet, the evolving nature of the sports journalism industry is not the only change Boyland is faced with.
At the end of the season, Everton will bid a fond farewell to their historic ground, Goodison Park, before moving to a new state of the art 52,000-seater capacity stadium just two miles away at Bramley- Moore Dock, and, despite the club having been riddled with both on and off the pitch woes in recent years, Boyland believes exciting times are ahead.
“The better times are coming. That new stadium is there, and that can be a catalyst not only for better times for you as a journalist and better stories to write about, but better times for the club in general”, he says.
“It helps me if Everton are doing well. I know a lot of people will wonder if the consistent news cycle at Everton is maybe something that fuels us, but I would like nothing more to report on a winning, successful Everton” he continues.
Despite now reporting from Goodison with his “journalistic hat on”, it’s when he’s not in the press box when he still feels that pure connection with the toffees.
“My favourite experiences are when I’m not in the press box. When I go with my dad or my friends and family to the game, I can go to the pub before and after and can have that typical match day experience”.
Boyland at a Glance
- Born in 1992
- Everton correspondent for The Athletic since 2019
- Taught English as a foreign language teacher
- Previously covered Netball and Cricket World Cups