All newspaper groups (I think it's Reach that own the Gazette) are cutting costs as their profits decline. I too noticed the disappearance of Dom Shaw who was supposed to be head reporter of Boro news. Now we're down to Craig Johns whereas only a few years ago there were four reporters. The poor guy probably gets paid a pittance, yet is constantly criticised and is expected to do the job of four - I don't envy him one bit.
On Cattermole, I think that was just a stupid rumour run rampant and sports reporters will follow any lead with no fear of litigation if they get it wrong. It also wouldn't surprise me if Cattermole helped the rumours along as a means of taking the pressure off Leo - Leo certainly had a smile on his face when asked directly during the presser. Now I'm just starting rumours - might as well as everybody seems to be at it.
EDIT Several posts appeared while I was typing this - must get faster.