From volunteering in the National League North to a full time position at a Championship club!
We sat down with Rob Glover in May 2020 to discuss his career so far and since then, he’s landed a job with Reading FC! We caught up with Rob to see how he’s been finding it…
You moved from non-league side Curzon Ashton to Championship Reading, how have you the found the move and how did come about?
I’m six months in now and absolutely loving it! I initially started volunteering with Curzon Ashton once I had finished University, simultaneously searching for my first role in football media – I did that until October and in early November I saw an opening at Reading.
I kind of went into it thinking I probably wouldn’t get it, but a few weeks later I was offered an interview! Following a couple of chats and interview tasks, I was offered the role in early December and started just a few days into 2021. I’ve already learnt so much, and it’s been brilliant being thrown straight into the action mid-season! I think what’s been of biggest benefit to me is that Reading have got a relatively small media team compared to other clubs in the division, which has meant that from very early on I’ve been in at the deep end and I’ve thrived on the level of responsibility I’ve been given.
What do you do in your role as Media & Communications Executive?
As one of just three media staff at the club, I’m responsible for digital content creation across the club’s social platforms, specifically Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Conducting interviews and filming with first-team players and management is another big part of my job, from being down at the training ground, to home and away on matchdays, I have just tried to document as much as possible whilst our supporters have been absent.
Video and photo editing is a big passion of mine too and that’s heavily involved in the role, as I’m often producing behind-the-scenes or feature video content – something I’ve really enjoyed getting hands on with.
What has been the biggest differences and similarities between the two clubs?
I think it’s probably been the demanding nature of the league, and doing it full-time, especially this year. With three game weeks a regular occurrence there’s been no time to stand still – but I’ve loved that and it’s been a really good way to get to know the players and staff quickly, being around them so much.
What has it been like being in Championship grounds without any fans and what has been your favourite and worst moment?
It’s been really strange without fans and I realise how massively lucky I’ve been to be in attendance at all games, and I’ve wanted to do my utmost to provide them with the best social coverage possible while they’ve been away.
In most instances, to have worked for a club for half a year and to have never seen the supporters is unheard of, so I’m massively looking forward to the prospect of a hopefully full Madejski Stadium next season!
If I had to pick a worst moment, it would probably be the aftermath of an away trip to Watford, not only had we lost, but prior to our post match interviews a switch had got knocked on the side of our microphone which meant both our interviews were recorded without the audio of the interviewer. So as the last people inside Vicarage Road we were sat re-recording our voices to sync up in time with the player’s answers, not a highlight!
In terms of a best moment, it’s got to be our 3-1 home win over AFC Bournemouth, it was just an all-round good night, a big win over a top team in front of the Sky cameras. No complaints! Hopefully I’ll have many more ‘best moments’ to pick from once I have a full season under my belt!
Over 200 miles separates the Tameside Stadium and Madejeski Stadium, what has it been like to move to a new place?
As I’d been volunteering with Curzon during the pandemic, I did all that remotely from North Yorkshire which is where I’ve grown up, but leaving there to come and live on my own in Reading has been really good. University helped me a lot in terms of independent living…
How to connect Rob Glover on social media…
You can follow Rob on Twitter and LinkedIn!
Twitter: @robglovermedia
LinkedIn: Rob Glover
Thanks to Rob for catching up with us and sharing his journey in the sports media space. Also thanks to you, the reader, we hope you enjoyed our latest feature!
