GOOD year, bad year? With 2014 drawing to a close, we ask Alan Pattullo, sportswriter with The Scotsman: ‘How had it been for you?’.
Briefly, what is it that you do?
Sportswriter for The Scotsman newspaper.
Choose three words that sum up 2014 (so far), from a professional point of view.
Far-flung. Fulfilling. Worrying.
In 2013, what was your biggest ambition for 2014, and to what extent did you achieve it?
To finish my book on former Dundee United, Rangers, Newcastle United and Everton striker, Duncan Ferguson, and to see it published. I did, and it was.
How has 2014 (so far) been for you, personally?
I got to cover a World Cup in Brazil – which has been a personal goal since the country were confirmed as hosts. I felt tremendously privileged to be able to travel to places like the Amazon to watch football matches and met some wonderful people.
Any changes this year in technology, legislation, the economy, etc that have had a relatively significant impact on the business?
The hardly vibrant economy is continuing to affect newspaper sales – but then that’s hardly a change from years past. Technology is improving inside the Press boxes at Scottish Premiership grounds – nearly all of them now have wi-fi, and sometimes it works!
What looking forward to, in 2015 – personally and professionally?
Professionally, I am looking forward to Scotland qualifying for Euro 2016 – and that’s probably one of my personal wishes as well. Would also like to move house. I think Scotland qualifying for a major finals is more likely.
