AUTHOR: James Dowen

JUST WILLIAM: To Follow List 2021

I ended this blog’s contributions for the last year hoping that we’d have better times in 2021, even if the winter was sure to be grim. A week into 2021, and we’ve already had riots in the US Capitol. Following on from that note, I might keep my public wishes less quiet, but this week’s column is 2021 themed, and hopefully more positive – it’s a list of people to follow over the coming year. There are three broad categories – those of Current Affairs, Sports, and Culture.

There isn’t a set criteria for being on the list – they’re personal choices made to find people who I think will be worth following over the next 12 months, mainly for expertise in a certain subject but also for analytical skills and improving one’s experience on Twitter – and of course, I’ll miss people because there’s only a certain amount of space. Hopefully you also see a few people that you don’t follow already, no matter how you came here.

I’ve attempted to make them as diverse as possible – on all counts – but do appreciate your suggestions! We start, as ever in current affairs.

Also, a note: All of the @’s are for Twitter handles unless specifically described otherwise. Website links are given if they can be found!

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Phoenix CS Andrews (@pennyb): There are lots of ways to explain the scenes in the Capital yesterday, but all of them are rooted in fandom, and there’s no better expert on it than Phoenix, who has shared her wisdom with including the Times, Independent, Slate, New Statesman and Prospect magazines whilst also giving accurate and uncompromising commentary on politics at home and abroad.

Website: https://www.politicsfandom.com

Rhi Storer (@rhistorerwrites): Hopefully this column isn’t going to focus solely on COVID to the exclusion of other subjects but Rhi’s coverage for the Guardian has been even handed, accessible and insightful for many months and she’s sure to be essential following over the next 12 months – on all matters, and not just COVID.

Jack Fenwick (@Jack_W_Fenwick): There is more news than ever to keep up with these days and few more versatile reporters to be found than Jack, who has gone from freelance producer at Westminster Hour to reporter for the programme. He can also be found on Politics Live, with his reports covering home affairs, COVID, and international diplomacy amongst other things.

Website: http://www.jackwfenwick.co.uk

Rianna Croxford (@The_Crox): Rianna was an award winner only last week on these pages but could be going onto even better things in 2021. Constantly on the ball with her coverage of the BAME community last year, culminating in her being awarded the New Journalist of the Year at the British Journalism Awards in December. Still only 26 – making her the youngest news network correspondent at the BBC.

Website: https://www.riannacroxford.com

Bethany Dawson (@bethanymrd): One of the benefits of Twitter is the hive mind of sources you can get and one of the best routes to such information is following freelancers – there are hundreds, if not thousands of versatile, inquisitive and skilled people who can cover multiple subjects with aplomb. Bethany Dawson has already demonstrated her skill in this area and has been receiving deserved recognition – She was highly commended as the Best Reporter in the Student Publication Association Awards 2020, and was shortlisted for an Amnesty Media Award in the student journalist category 2020 – and will prove to be invaluable following over the next 12 months.

Website: https://www.clippings.me/bethanydawson

China Stream / Beijing To Britain (@ChinaStream & @BeijingToBrit): The biggest foreign policy issue of the next decade in the eyes of many is China and its relationship with the wider world, This has already had big knock-on effects in Britain, with a reversal of Huawei’s contract to implement 5G in this country arguably the biggest example. China’s repressive regime means that finding high-quality information from the country can be nightmarishly difficult, so both China Stream and their newsletters ‘Beijing To Britain’ are absolutely worth following.

Newsletter: beijingtobritain.substack.com

David Chipakupaku (@David_Chippa): A winner of our award for production, David’s awareness on a range of issues regarding race, gender and social issues means that he’s a must have here.

Nadine White (@Nadine_Writes): Nadine is a regular on here and with good reason – one of the most eloquent writers around on current affairs, race, and social justice who keeps followers constantly informed and enlightened on a range of issues.

Website: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/nadine-white/

https://twitter.com/Nadine_Writes/status/1280498974139572226

Marianna Spring (@mariannaspring): Marianna’s a regular on these pages, as one of the few people able to cope with the tidal wave of misinformation that unfortunately seems to dominate modern discourse. Hopefully by now you already follow her but if not, what are you doing?

Dr. Alice Lilly (@aliceolilly): Understanding Parliament is a tough task for those at the best of times, so Alice’s knowledge of laws both at home and abroad (see her timeline for the usage of the 25h Amendment recently) is a very handy guide for exactly how laws and policies are made and what they mean.

Alun (@gamblinglamb): This is set to be a big year for the gambling industry, with multiple issues – not least the long-overdue review of the Gambling Act, but also several big money moves in the US which could have a knock-on effect here along with the race against time to get betting shops and establishments back up and running as soon as the (touchwood) effects of Coronavirus vaccinations come back into play. There’s no better man to guide you through that than Alun – and as a bonus, you get sensible current affairs chucked in?

Soph Warnes (@SophWarnes): Another person who’s getting a repeat mention here, but deservedly so. I can’t think of any big story in 2021 that won’t be improved by having good data to hand and Soph’s Fair Warning newsletter is superb at bringing you the stories you need to know in one handy package – and lord knows that’ll be necessary over the next 12 months.

Fair Warning: https://t.co/0REeVV3Eqh?amp=1

Sam Freedman (@Samfr): Education is going to be one of the big stories of this year and few can provide better insight on that topic than Sam, who has also helpfully tracked many of the early UK vaccination statistics. Some readers may remember him as the man who called everything right in 2020, so he’s probably a good follow for political punters to boot.

Website: samfreedman1.blogspot.co.uk

Alistair McLellan (@HSJEditor): Getting good information about healthcare with no spin is sadly going to be an essential part of staying sane on social media and there are few better than Alistair here.

Peter Foster (@pmdfoster): As we head into the next phase of relationships with the EU, understanding the effects of our recently agreed trade deal will take expert understanding and Peter is as good as any for explaining what rules are taking effect and how. He is worth the subscription to the FT alone, but also a great follow on Twitter.

Georgina Wright (@GeorginaEWright): One of three Brexit award winners who’s coming back here, and with good reason. Many will scrutinise British policy towards the EU but the reverse is just as important, if not more – we’re on their doorstep after all, and Georgina’s expertise will give followers a first-hand sight into EU policy-making.

Allie Renison (@AllieRenison): How many readers here have businesses remains to be seen – hello, if you do – but Allie has long demonstrated that her expertise lies beyond just helping directors plan for Brexit, with a multitude of insights on matters in the UK and US that have often been a pleasant counterbalance to angrier, less considered takes.

SPORT

Jośe Been (@TourDeJose): One of the sports that has had arguably the best response to COVID – both financial and in terms of a calendar response – has been Cycling, and few people can give more comprehensive coverage than Jose Been, a brilliant reporter whose relentless coverage will allow you to keep up with every pedal stroke.

Website: https://www.tourdejosemedia.nl/about-me/

Robyn Davison (@robynjournalist): Another entrant for cycling with the benefit of being able to cover a multitude of sports really, really well, Robyn is an excellent follow for those looking to broaden their horizons ahead of a year where we’ll hopefully see much less cancellations due to sport.

Website: robyndavidson.journoportfolio.com

Grace Roberston (@GraceOnFootball): This is likely to be one of the toughest and most consequential football seasons in recent history – whether it is properly completed or not (and at the moment, the latter outcome looks far more likely). The effects of what is essentially a carry on season for many top clubs and players – fixtures have been ceaseless since Project Restart – will have a long-lasting impact on player management and tactics, two areas where Grace has done great work already.

Website: https://onfootball.substack.com/

Ande Humphrey (@ashsh): Racing made a swift return from lockdown last year but the first country to get going was France, with trials for the 1 and 2,000 Guineas taking place at Paris-Longchamp. This country’s coverage of French racing is much improved, especially with Sky Sports broadcasting every meeting from across the channel, and Ande is an excellent guide for meetings both big and small in France.

David Easson (@DavidEasson): David has long been an invaluable source of punting wisdom across all sports, especially through his SBC Sports Betting podcasts which are a quick and easy listen (just like the offerings elsewhere on this website!).

Samantha Martin (@sam_angelina22): One of racing’s big tasks over the next few years is to build a younger fan base for the sport and having young racing journalists like Sam on board is a huge asset. A one-stop shop for all things racing, Sam’s a must-read and her website (below) is highly recommended too.

Website: https://reinitinracing.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/samanthas-20-to-watch-2020-21/amp/

Harry Haskell (@HarryHaskell4): The second and only other racing addition to this list, Harry’s another young racing fan and writer who I’ve put here for versatility. A lover of both codes, his Revisited series – looking back at top horses of recent years – promises to be excellent reading through hard winter months.

Website: haskell2000.blogspot.com

Fiona Tomas (@fi_tomas_): Hopefully we’ll have a lot more women’s sport this year – although a recent COVID outbreak is threatening to curtail the FA Cup, and will likely have knock-on effects through to to the end of the season – and one of the best in the business at giving in-depth coverage is Fiona.

Carl Anka (@Ankaman616): Carl was given an award for his coverage of Manchester United but is here for all-round football and tactical knowledge. A great example of his excellent thinking is a wonderful piece suggesting ways to jazz up the FA Cup.

Jasmine Baba (@_jasminebaba): A freelance consultant – who often chronicles the adventures of that very normal football club Arsenal FC – Jasmine is now in Germany, covering all matters European football. Someone who has an excellent knowledge of young talent from the Bundesliga – and a sharp eye for transfer market moves – Jasmine is well worth adding to your football timelines.

CULTURE

Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK): A superb impressionist – I couldn’t write this without her replacing Trump with Liza Minelli. Sooz has found new ways to keep her fan club entertained and smiling during the last year or so and will spice up your life if you make the wise choice to add her.

https://twitter.com/SoozUK/status/1346194342936006661

Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman): One of the funniest people on Twitter – although she can be found all across the internet, and also in an increasing amount of high quality comedy television – Mollie managed to find humour in the most absurd of situation.

Website: molliegoodfellow.co.uk

Julie Owen Moylan (@JulieOwenMoylan): A tremendous writer and film director, Julie’s debut novel is sadly still a while away – it will be published in April 2022 – however she’s a smart addition to your timeline who has proven to be a very handy guide to broadening my cultural horizons.

Sophia Smith-Galer (@sophiasmithgaler): I could have put Sophia in Current Affairs, so let me explain my reasoning; Tik Tok is one of the fastest-growing platforms on the internet, and in many areas, it is becoming one of the most influential. That’s going to grow, not shrink, so having an expert on your timeline is essential, and her coverage of religion and spirituality is also top-notch.

Dr. Eleanor Janega (@GoingMedieval): Considering that we’re living through History’s Stupidest era, you’d think that we’d want to be learning more about it now. Sadly, that isn’t the case, so let me heartily recommend Dr. Janega, whose understanding of ages long gone by is a great tonic.

Dr. Charlotte Lydia Riley (@lottelydia): For much the same reasons as above, I can’t recommend having Charlotte in your timelines enough.

Sinan Kose (@TheSinanKose): I should be more embarrassed that I haven’t been on Twitch for much more than a year (my age technically makes me a ‘young person’) but one of the best discoveries there has been Sinan, whose unique brand of Twitter shit posting and commentary has been an educational insight with no holds barred.

Team Trashfuture: If you find yourself angry at the state of the world and want other people who feel the same, then look no further than Trashfuture. The magic of the team – and the podcasts – isn’t just their righteous anger, but the fact they manage to make even the most cursed of situations comical, which is no mean feat, whilst also explaining some of the most ridiculous financial start-ups in the world. I highly recommend following all of @raaleh, @milo_edwards, @hkesvani, @inthesedeserts, and @aliceavizandum.

Scott Bryan (@scottygb): TV has certainly managed to brighten up plenty of lives during the last 12 months and Scott, arguably the most switched on television critic and analyst in the country, manages to spark any timeline with his ‘Must Watch’ Podcast along with a handy selection of must-see clips.

Agree? Disagree? All suggestions are appreciated – simply email william@starsportsbet.co.uk – and stay safe out there!

William

Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers.

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