wards 2014 WRITER OF THE YEAR Winner Michael Burgess (Herald on Sunday) , pictured right.
Other Finalists Steven Holloway (Herald Online) Sam Worthington (Fairfax Media) Last year’s winner: Michael Burgess (Herald on Sunday). Highly commended: Michael Brown (APNZ), Gordon Glen Watson (FIFA World Magazine, FIFA. com), Andrew Dewhurst (Yahoo.co.nz) Recent Winners 2003 Simon Kay 2004 Terry Maddaford 2005 Michael Brown 2006 Michael Brown 2007 Michael Brown 2008 No award 2009 Michael Brown 2010 Michael Brown 2011 Tony Smith 2012 Michael Burgess
Michael Burgess wins this category for the second year in a row. His portfolio included stories featuring former All Whites coach Ricki Herbert and skipper Tommy Smith, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and the late Auckland City striker Keryn Jordan. First awarded by the NZFMA in 1980, Michael Brown holds the record for most wins in this category, with five in a row between 2005 and 2010. Judge Duncan Pardon (former Auckland Star football writer 1982–86) commented: “Separating the top three was difficult but Michael won it by a nose because of his versatility. His exclusive on Tommy Smith’s threat to retire before the World Cup qualifiers against Mexico 27
was one of the most important stories of the past year and he clearly had the inside sources necessary to bring it into the open. “His interview with FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was an interesting perspective on how world football’s powerbrokers view Oceania. “There was the mandatory analysis of the Ricki Herbert years, territory covered by several writers, but Michael’s was among the most thorough and again showed use of good contacts. His story on Keryn Jordan’s battle with cancer was a reminder of the bigger issues in life and the role sport can play. “Sam Worthington certainly believes in telling it like it is. His report on the post–match
interview with Herbert after the 5–1 thumping by Mexico was a fascinating insight into the mindset of a beleaguered coach. “And his sidebar left the reader in no doubt that he believed it was time for Herbert to go. In similar fashion, his report on the infamous Ben Sigmund stomp made it clear there could be no excuses for what happened, again backed by forthright comments. There was also an informative interview with Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick. “I was impressed with Steven Holloway’s overall grasp of the big issues facing football in this country. “His story on problems facing the domestic league shows some issues never go away — we were writing similar stories in the 1980s. His stories on what to do with World Cup cash, player development and ‘three ways to go pro’ show some of the best sports writing is about what goes on off the field. “Overall, I would suggest the All Blacks are lucky not to have to face the scrutiny and analysis shown by our football writers. “We have some top–notch football journalists who are not scared to ask tough questions, are forthright in their opinions and who display a passion for, and in–depth knowledge of, our small place in the world’s greatest game.”
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