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Calum Preston Kelly

News writer

📝 Bio: I'm a news writer who joined up with the team at GOAL as of May 2025. This came shortly after I had completed my NCTJ journalism diploma at PA Media Academy, where I specialised in sports journalism. I previously received a BA (Honours) degree at King's College London, where I studied French and Spanish and was lucky enough to spend a year studying abroad. My experience in journalism dates back to 2017, when I got to report on Chelsea Women home matches for local newspapers and won awards two years running in the Newsquest Young Reporter Scheme. Even earlier that that, I began publishing a football blog the year that Leicester City won the Premier League. I also recently spent a season volunteering on the media team at National League South side Hampton & Richmond Borough and have expertise in football across all levels of the pyramid and abroad.

My Football Story: I first fell in love with football as a seven-year-old watching the 2010 World Cup. Recording matches on my old-fashioned VHS player, I watched the recordings back time and again and learnt about all the players and teams. There the obsession began. The following season in 2010-11, my club QPR had the best campaign they have had in my lifetime, winning the Championship title and gaining promotion back to the Premier League, inspired by Moroccan magician Adel Taarabt. There have been moments of heartbreak too, though - namely England's gut-wrenching eliminations from the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.

🎯 Areas of expertise:

  • Insight on English football from the Premier League and Championship down to non-league
  • European football and the tactical nous deployed across different spheres of the game
  • The use of social media to engage fans
  • Comment and analysis on transfer news and the player stories which matter most
  • Always looking to provide a unique viewpoint in tune with my own experiences

🌟 Favourite Footballing Memory: As a QPR fan, the play-off final in 2014 will be difficult to beat. Getting to be at Wembley to see Bobby Zamora's 90th-minute winner go in was a memory you can never forget. The fact my younger self had been somewhat afraid to go to the game, as I was sure Derby County would win - which they almost did - made it all the more special.

Articles by Calum Preston Kelly
  1. Amorim's Man Utd tactics destroyed after Brentford defeat

    Ruben Amorim came under fire for his tactical decisions at Brentford on Saturday as Match of the Day's Micah Richards slammed the Manchester United boss for the number of tactical tweaks he made in the second half. Richards detailed how Amorim repeatedly changed personnel without altering the formation, meaning some players played in several different positions within one half. The Red Devils ultimately went down to a 3-1 defeat, as Amorim's substitutes would make little difference.

  2. Gabriel goes from zero to hero and snatches last-gasp Arsenal win

    Arsenal stole a massive comeback victory deep in stoppage time at St James' Park as Gabriel rose highest to head home a 96th minute winner and close the gap on leaders Liverpool, in a massive statement early on in this season's title race. The home side had led through a Nick Woltemade header with Gabriel at fault for the goal but the Gunners fought back, substitute Mikel Merino guiding home a fantastic header before Gabriel powered home the winner.

  3. Man Utd told Southgate is the 'PERFECT' manager

    Amidst increasing pressure surrounding Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have been told by a former Premier League star that former England boss Gareth Southgate is the ideal man to take over at Old Trafford and bring a good feeling back to the club. Southgate had previously been linked with the role before Amorim took over, a decision which has not quite gone to plan thus far.

  4. Isak defended from Liverpool criticism by Slot

    Arne Slot has come to the defence of Alexander Isak after the £125million ($167m) striker was quiet on his first Premier League start for Liverpool as the Reds were defeated for the first time this season by Crystal Palace. Head coach Slot defended the Swede as he continues to return to full fitness, following a performance which was distinctly below-par by the majority of the side.

  5. 'All for him' - Foden tribute to Hatton after emotional derby

    Phil Foden dedicated victory to late boxing legend Ricky Hatton after Manchester City beat local rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the derby just hours after it was announced that the famous City fan had passed away aged just 46. Foden scored on his first start to the season and claimed the tragic news gave his side extra motivation to win the derby.