One of the biggest names in Scottish sports journalism is taking his bow this evening.
allmediascotland.com understands that farewell drinks are still being partaken at The Station Bar, around the corner from the Glasgow offices of the Scottish Daily Express, from where Andy McInnes is taking early retirement as sports editor.
As colleagues, past and present, bid him farewell, he leaves behind the sports editor's post not just at the Scottish Daily Express, but at sister titles, the Scottish Sunday Express, the Daily Star of Scotland and the Daily Star of Scotland – Sunday.
In a memo to staff, Scottish Daily Express editor, David Hamilton, said: “Andy McInnes left our newspapers today after 37 years devoted and loyal service to Express Newspapers. Not only will we all miss Andy’s writing skills and his enormously professional input to our sports pages, we will also miss him around the office as a good friend and a trusted colleague. I feel privileged to have worked alongside Andy for 30 of those years, and I know he thoroughly enjoyed working with all the hugely talented people we have here in Glasgow.”
Hamilton added: “I am happy to say Graham Clark will now assume overall responsibility for sport for all titles currenly produced out of the Glasgow office.”
The early retirement package was agreed as part of job cuts earmarked at Express Newspapers, UK-wide, up to 30 per cent at its Scottish outpost.
Hamilton additionally told allmediascotland: “It would be accurate to describe Andy McInnes as a 'veteran' Expressman, but, in reality, he still looks at least 15 years younger than he actually is.
“Personally speaking, I will miss him, not only for his superb input to the papers, but also for his utter professionalism and sheer good humour about the place – even the whistling of the John Denver classics. The Glasgow office will be a lesser place without his daily presence and banter. But he deserves a wee rest and some more time to devote to his darling wife, Irene, and their four grandchildren. And, of course, watching his football team, Airdrie – he was once on their books as an S Form, along with his good pal and fellow Airdrieonian, Jim Traynor.”
Son, Steven, is a sports sub on the Daily Star of Scotland, while other son, Andrew, is currently freelancing as a sports writer.
