Regional journalists have criticised the BBC’s decision to create a reality TV show to find a new football expert.

The BBC has announced the new competition, the winner of which will produce digital content for BBC Sport.

They will also appear on TV, radio, digital and social on programmes such as Football Focus, as well as BBC Radio 5 Live’s football coverage.

But the decision has drawn criticism from sports journalists who entered the industry via more traditional routes.

Paul Joannou, who began his career on the Stroud News & Journal and is now communications manager at Walsall Football Club, wrote on X: “I spent £9,000 a year to do a sports journalism degree and well over three years working for free, travelling around to get as much experience as I could to build my CV to give me a chance.

“It’s a tough industry to break into as it is but my hard work was rewarded with an opportunity.

“I’m so glad I did it when I did because I wouldn’t stand a chance now because I’m not a YouTuber with over 10k followers. Really poor.”

George Priestman, who covers football in Liverpool for National World, added: “It is a tough industry and I’m often taken aback whenever ‘influencers’ or anyone with a large Twitter following is invited on TalkSPORT or Sky Sports News over journalists who have studied, worked and embedded themselves within the sport like we have.”

Standout candidates will then compete on the reality show which will be broadcast on the BBC in the lead up to Women’s Euro 2025, while Radio 1 will also cover the twists and turns of the competition.

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: “This is our biggest creator opportunity to date.

“A chance to work with the BBC’s top Sport team and appear on some of the country’s biggest football shows as well as to appear on Radio 1 and a digital series.

“We cannot wait to uncover and collaborate with the most exciting football creators in the UK.”