Jonathan, who was awarded sports columnist of the year by the Sports Journalists Association in February, will leave his current role as chief sports writer at the Independent and join the Guardian at the end of November. Previously he was feature writer and columnist at The Telegraph. He was sport commentator of the year at the 2018 Editorial Intelligence Comment awards.
Jonathan will write columns, reports and analysis for theguardian.com, and the Guardian and Observer newspapers – ranging across football, cricket and the wider sporting landscape.
Jonathan Liew said: “This was a ludicrously easy decision to make. Without wishing to sound too much like Robbie Keane, I’ve been a massive fan of the Guardian ever since I was a little boy. I’m absolutely buzzing to be signing for one of the world’s top media organisations and can’t wait to meet up with my new team-mates.”
Will Woodward, head of sport, Guardian News & Media said: “Jonathan is one of the brightest talents in sports journalism and I'm absolutely delighted he is joining us. He has already won awards and deserved praise for his sharp analysis and elegant writing. He is a brilliant addition to the Guardian’s team, sharing his distinctive sporting insights and expertise with our readers.”
In further moves, David Hytner has been appointed chief football correspondent. Barney Ronay has become chief sportswriter. Jacob Steinberg has been promoted to football reporter.
Jonathan takes his place among the Guardian’s roster of sports writers, including Eni Aluko, Suzanne Wrack, Donald McRae, Ugo Monye, Andy Bull, Marina Hyde, David Conn, Vic Marks, Louise Taylor, Robert Kitson, Jonathan Wilson, Tanya Aldred and Sid Lowe.
Cartoonist David Squires, sports photographer Tom Jenkins and podcasts including Football Weekly with Max Rushden and Barry Glendenning and The Spin with Emma John also showcase the Guardian’s wider commitment to sport, say the publishers.
The Guardian’s sports coverage has won several major awards in the last 12 months, including: best sport news site at the Drum Online Media Awards, newspaper of the year and podcast of the year for Football Weekly at the Football Supporters’ Federation Awards, plus wins at the Sports Journalists’ Association Awards and Press Awards.
