Editorial Team
Senior Leadership
Danny Wright
Danny has been with Breaking Media for almost a decade, rising to become the company's Head of Editorial. Danny is an expert editor, with a specialist eye on SEO, planning, growth areas, and staff development. Danny graduated from Staffordshire University in 2016, and has previous experience writing for the Birmingham Mail and Macclesfield Town FC. Based in Staffordshire, Danny has been key in getting Mackem News off the ground, providing a one-stop shop for supporters to get all of their Sunderland news. Danny has covered all of the big stories on Mackem News since its launch in 2024, including the appointment and rise of Regis Le Bris, the famous Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United in 2025, and impressive return to the Premier League.
Josh Edwards
Josh Edwards is a senior football writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Josh provides expert analysis and breaking news of all the major transfers at Sunderland. Josh is based in Durham, and has previously worked for FanHub and the Sunderland Echo, after graduating from Sunderland University in July 2024.
Mark Smith
Mark is the second-longest serving member of the Breaking Media team, rising through the ranks from writer to deputy editor. Mark is a highly skilled editor, with a particular expertise in headline writing, and finger on the pulse for trending content that fans love to read about. Mark graduated from Leeds Trinity University in 2018, and is based in Wakefield. He has covered Mackem News since it was launched, delivering in-depth analysis, and covering in detail the famous Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United in May 2025.
Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Sunderland. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis is an Assistant Editor for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Dan provides expert statistical analysis on Sunderland – specialising on data deep dives and trending topics. Based in Barry, Dan has previously worked for Sports Mole and Stats Perform after graduating from the University of South Wales.
Experts
Mackem News Speaking to Derek Ferguson
Mackem News is delighted to welcome former Sunderland star Derek Ferguson as one of it's exclusive pundits. Ferguson played for the Black Cats between 1993 and 1995, making 64 league appearances for the club. He's well known for playing for Rangers and Hearts as well as appearing nowadays on BBC Radio Scotland.
Keith Hackett
We are delighted to welcome Keith Hackett, one of the top 100 referees of all time, as our new columnist. Keith's refereeing career spanned over 19 years as he officiated in the Football League and Premier League and was FIFA listed for 10 years. From FA Cup finals to the European Championships and the from the PGMOL to writing books, it's harder to find anyone who knows more about refereeing than Keith.
Senior Contributors
Aheed Abrar
Aheed Abrar is a Senior Football Writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Aheed provides expert coverage and exclusive content on all transfer-related topics at Sunderland. Based in Sheffield, Aheed has previously worked at Milkiyat, Youth Ki Awaaz, and FFO Sports publishing, after gaining a Masters in Sports journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.
Richie Mills
Richie Mills is a football writer at Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in news and sports journalism, Richie provides valuable expertise in engagement content, and long-form opinion pieces on Sunderland. Based in London, he has previously worked for the likes of Goal and Wardle Whittell Agency, and gained his sports journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon.
Contributors
Declan Carr
Declan Carr is a senior football writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Declan provides expertise in breaking news and long-form analytical content on Sunderland. Based in Liverpool, Declan has previously worked for Sports Mole and Vavel, after graduating from Liverpool John Moores in 2024 with a Masters in Sports journalism.
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith is a writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Cameron is an expert on statistical analysis and data deep dives, providing extensive coverage of Sunderland's style of play. Based in Staffordshire, Cameron has previously worked for Football League World, Bulinews.com, and Vaval, and graduated from Birmingham City University in the summer of 2025.
Daniel Davis
Dan Davis a football writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With an extensive background in sports journalism and university lecturing, Dan provides expert coverage in breaking news, transfer stories, and deep-dive data pieces for Sunderland. Based in Tunbridge Wells, Dan has lengthy experience in the industry having held roles at Reach PLC, GRV Media, and GiveMeSport, after graduating from Bournemouth University in 2019.
Jacob Raw
Jacob Raw is a football writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Jacob provides specialism in long-form opinion and deep-dive content on all the goings on at Sunderland. Based in Middlesbrough, Jacob has previously worked for the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club, after graduation from Teesside University in September 2025.
James Barker
James Barker is a senior writer on Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, James provides expertise in statistical analysis and long-form opinion pieces on all the major events at Sunderland. Based in Durham, James has previously worked for Football League World where he had editing responsibility, having graduated from the University of Sunderland in the summer of 2024.
Max Wilkins
Max is a senior football writer on Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Max's area of expertise is in gaining exclusive content, as well as writing deep-dive statistical analysis. Based in Birmingham, Max has previously worked for GRV Media and Vavel, and gained a degree from the University of Derby in 2023.
Scott Mason
Scott Mason is a football writer for Mackem News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a background in sports journalism, Scott provides expertise in data content, opinion piece, and general news gathering for all the major goings on at Sunderland. Based in Dubin, Scott previously worked for GamingINTEL and GRV Media, and gained a degree in sports journalism from the University of Wolverhampton in 2022.