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Greetings from The Athletic


Anka
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Hello everyone,

 

As you may have seen, The Athletic launched in the UK this Monday morning.

 

The website is looking to have 20 journalists covering all 20 teams in the Premier League (and some beyond), and I thought it best to come here and formally introduce myself.

 

https://theathletic.com/1083618/2019/08/05/carl-anka-im-all-in-on-southampton-the-club-with-the-strong-poker-face-and-amazing-conviction/

 

I moved to your city last month and have spent the last few weeks talking to fans, historians and those around the club. Going to try my best to learn and do your club justice. Let me know if I'm achieving that goal. Let me know if I'm not.

 

Hope to see some of you fans throughout the season, both home and away.

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That’s awesome that The Athletic has its own Southampton writer! I’m very familiar with you guys since it has been big over here in the United States for awhile! I will be over for the home match against Liverpool in two weeks time if you’d like to meet up and find out what life is like as a Saints fan in the USA!

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Hahaha enjoyed the Liverpool quip.

 

Cool I have been thinking about subbing for a while so maybe this is the motivation.

Met Carl last week and read his excellent first article last night. Grown up journalism from someone who takes his job seriously enough to move to the city to ensure he gets the feel of the club. Definitely worth checking him out.

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You're very welcome! Hope to keep enjoying your articles throughout the season.

 

Which area you staying whilst you're here?

 

 

I'm just on the cusp of Oxford Street. Working from home at the moment, but taking time to get lost walking around the city. You've got a lovely library and some good craft beer places here!

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If you're at a loose end tonight then there's some good comedy on in the basement of Mango Thai Tapas just around the corner from Oxford Street. Nathan Caton is down to perform tonight which is a decent act for a small venue.

 

For craft beer check out Unity which isn't far from St Mary's those guys have got some amazing ales going on.

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I'm just on the cusp of Oxford Street. Working from home at the moment, but taking time to get lost walking around the city. You've got a lovely library and some good craft beer places here!

 

Bro its a bit too early for me but I guess you've taken the Hunter S Thompson approach to writing :lol:

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Bro its a bit too early for me but I guess you've taken the Hunter S Thompson approach to writing :lol:

 

Write drunk. Edit sober.

 

I would like to be a member of this forum, but please let me know if I'm taking the mic, not going to take anyones comments here and put them on the website without asking first.

 

Which brings me to....

 

Anyone want to talk to me about the home kit? My DMs on Twitter are open if anyone wants a chat as well.

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Write drunk. Edit sober.

 

I would like to be a member of this forum, but please let me know if I'm taking the mic, not going to take anyones comments here and put them on the website without asking first.

 

Which brings me to....

 

Anyone want to talk to me about the home kit? My DMs on Twitter are open if anyone wants a chat as well.

 

The home kit is ugly, like all UA home kits we have had.

 

However, the sponsor logo is quite interesting.... you might want to look into that.

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It's was designed in the dark but I like the away kit actually.

 

But to be honest though the kit matters about 1% to me compared to everything else, it's window dressing to facilitate the parting of money from fans every year.

 

Also Carl do you have a quota of stories you have to keep ? Saw you posted 3 yesterday, imagine it will be easier once we get into the routine of the season.

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Hello everyone,

 

As you may have seen, The Athletic launched in the UK this Monday morning.

 

The website is looking to have 20 journalists covering all 20 teams in the Premier League (and some beyond), and I thought it best to come here and formally introduce myself.

 

https://theathletic.com/1083618/2019/08/05/carl-anka-im-all-in-on-southampton-the-club-with-the-strong-poker-face-and-amazing-conviction/

 

I moved to your city last month and have spent the last few weeks talking to fans, historians and those around the club. Going to try my best to learn and do your club justice. Let me know if I'm achieving that goal. Let me know if I'm not.

 

Hope to see some of you fans throughout the season, both home and away.

 

Welcome. Are your articles going to be freely available? I have a year's subscription to the US version which is very good but costs an arm and a leg (I understand that journos can't be allowed to starve), so wonder if there are any plans to put content behind a paywall?

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Welcome. Are your articles going to be freely available? I have a year's subscription to the US version which is very good but costs an arm and a leg (I understand that journos can't be allowed to starve), so wonder if there are any plans to put content behind a paywall?

 

If you already have a US subscription, you will be able to read all Athletic UK content. We'll be under the Premier League/Championship tab for you..

 

The hope is to write at least 2 pieces a week on Southampton, with a little space to do more if something eventful, or do with the city or football culture as a whole arises.

 

There won't be traditional match reports in the "and in the 35 minute Ward Prowse played a slide rule pass", but more of a "Why do all Saints attacks go down the left on the 55th minute onwards" features.

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Welcome. Are your articles going to be freely available? I have a year's subscription to the US version which is very good but costs an arm and a leg (I understand that journos can't be allowed to starve), so wonder if there are any plans to put content behind a paywall?

 

If you have a sub to US version, you have sub to UK as well. I have subscribed in US since soon after it started. Great in depth articles through which I have learned a lot about American sports. If it's half as good with the football articles, it is well worth the money...no annoying ads.

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If you already have a US subscription, you will be able to read all Athletic UK content. We'll be under the Premier League/Championship tab for you..

 

The hope is to write at least 2 pieces a week on Southampton, with a little space to do more if something eventful, or do with the city or football culture as a whole arises.

 

There won't be traditional match reports in the "and in the 35 minute Ward Prowse played a slide rule pass", but more of a "Why do all Saints attacks go down the left on the 55th minute onwards" features.

 

Cheers thanks. My question was more for those who don't have a subscription and how much of your material they'd be able to access. I like the Athletic (I'm a big fan of dane brugler's nfl draft coverage but that's for another day/thread/forum). It's difficult to have something to say in such a crowded and saturated space but the Athletic pulls it off. Will follow your work with interest.

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Hi Carl. I have Subscribed after reading that first article. Would be nice to read some thought provoking articles not the same rehashed garbage. Also a big American Football fan and hadn't come across The Athletic before so very interested in it's makeup. The fact that you've moved to Southampton makes me believe you're doing this seriously as well which is refreshing.

 

As my profile name suggests I'm not based in Southampton so probably won't get the chance to meet you or share my views on my beloved (& bloody frustrating) Saints but it you ever need an opinion from a fan originally from but now not local to Southampton with a young son (9 yrs old) who also supports Saints please do not hesitate to ask.

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Welcome Carl. Always enjoyed hearing your thoughts on The Totally Football Show and having read the first article subscribed to The Athletic. Being based in Australia, always looking for additional Saints content. 40 years a saint and 13 of those being 2am viewing from afar here in Australia. We have a great following and community here for Saints if you want another angle on things during the season. I echo the others views on the kit and feel more of the focus should be on the new sponsor and the lack of communication from the clubs owner on our future strategy.

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  • 1 year later...

Anka has been the best journalist covering saints in years. Dan was working for the echo which people routinely bemoaned on here... Nothing against Dan and hope he can step up with greater resources at his disposal...but this all feels very mane / redmond like. 

Edited by Saint86
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21 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Anka has been the best journalist covering saints in years. Dan was working for the echo which people routinely bemoaned on here... Nothing against Dan and hope he can step up with greater resources at his disposal...but this all feels very mane / redmond like. 

I imagine Dan will have much more flexibility in his work, working for his new employers. 

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1 hour ago, Saint86 said:

Anka has been the best journalist covering saints in years. Dan was working for the echo which people routinely bemoaned on here... Nothing against Dan and hope he can step up with greater resources at his disposal...but this all feels very mane / redmond like. 

I would suggest most of that is the nature of The Athletic, the freedom they give and the kind of articles/content that are looking for rather than Carl being some unbelievable talent.

Its highly unlikely the new guy is just going to write Echo-style reports from now on.

 

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55 minutes ago, Saintletiss said:

Question....  I'm guessing many of you signed up for the Athletic around this time last year - so are you renewing for this year?

I've decided to not re-new, I wasn't reading enough of their content to justify.

Between the Saints and NFL coverage, I'm on it everyday, so I'm more than happy to renew.

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I recently signed up for 50% off. So £29.99 for the year, extra month free to cover the ‘off season’.

Figured I’d see what all the fuss was about and the recent free to read article on Ralph’s managerial career peaked my interest.

I’ve read back a few of Carl Anka’s Saints articles, really enjoyable and I was looking forward to him covering Saints this season. Hopefully Dan fills his shoes well.

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I think 

36 minutes ago, Batman said:

any reviews from readers here?

I think it's excellent if you're into that kind of thing. I actually prefer reading some of the other football content more than Saints coverage at times. Wasn't a huge fan of Carl personally but certainly his coverage was in depth and don't see any reason to be concerned by this change in terms of value for money.

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6 hours ago, Saintletiss said:

Question....  I'm guessing many of you signed up for the Athletic around this time last year - so are you renewing for this year?

I've decided to not re-new, I wasn't reading enough of their content to justify.

Its my default sports app now, read lots on there about a lot and the tactical analysis and stats is MLG's version of porn.

signed up this time last year and used the 50% off discount.  This year rather than renew at normal price I just created a new account with a new email for 50% discount again.

 

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