former sports editor of the Sussex Express Richard Lenton is hoping to gatecrash the football magazine market with his new title, Football Punk – with a little help from a former Liverpool FC hero.
Football Punk, which launched on May 6, is the sister title to the award-winning Golf Punk, both of which are owned by one time Liverpool Spice Boy and Republic of Ireland international Phil Babb.
The monthly magazine (above), which is edited in F
almer takes a more irreverent, humorous look at the beautiful game, and is already receiving rave reviews in the publishing industry.
Richard, who is editing the magazine, said, "It's an incredibly exciting time.
"People are saying you must be mad to launch a magazine in the current economic climate. But you've got to be brave and have belief in your product. There's certainly no lack of confidence here.
"Having Phil on board is obviously a fantastic asset. Funnily enough, he wanted to be a journalist before he embarked on a football career, and he's really getting stuck in.
"He interviewed Steven Gerrard for the first issue, and coming from his background he's able to get a different perspective on things.
"It's real fly on the wall stuff from one professional to another. Phil can ask questions that I, as an average Joe journo, couldn't. Well, I could, but they probably wouldn't answer!"
Richard, who was sports editor at the Sussex Express from 1999 to 2004, added, "We've also got a riveting interview with Nicolas Anelka, while Robbie Savage vents his spleen on just about everything.
"And we've got Kasabian, Danielle Bux, David Haye, a free 24-page Retro magazine, we go behind the scenes at Soccer AM, and of course we have our secret weapon – the beautiful Penalty Chicks! I actually insisted on going on the photoshoot for that one!
Football Punk is out now in WHSmith's at a special offer price of £2 (normally £2.95).
If you subscribe, you can enjoy the first three issues for a fiver, and £2 per issue thereafter. For subscription details call 08456 715999.
