Read this and weep: What the time and motion man told the award winning regional editor

Terry Manners (top) was a fantastically committed editor of Northcliffe's Western Daily Press from 1999 to 2005.

It was no surprise that during his editorship the WDP picked up a string of awards including Regional Newspaper of the Year.

But how heartbreaking to read in the latest issue of Press Gazette what the cost cutters thought of Terry and his team.

He writes: "I will never forget the words of the time-and-motion man who was assigned with a team to cut operational costs in the building. They hurt us all greatly. 'The trouble with you and your team, Terry, is that you are trying to be too professional,' he said. 'You don't need to be. Leave it to the nationals.' Sadly he won."

• Press Gaztte magazine is not online but available by subscription