The data driven model did give us a competitive advantage for a while. Though from what I understand, we were one of the first clubs using that approach, and now it's the norm. I don't think this spells the end for a data driven approach, more the model James was developing himself is no longer the focus.
He set it up to sell as a model to other clubs. Unbeknownst to him other clubs already used data but were lazy. At the beginning they were happy to let Brentford, Peterborough and Barnsley use the data and buy cheap unknowns and cherry pick those players later. Then they realised that they really ought to cut out the middle man and load up their under 21 sides. That left Barnsley trying to sign players from surrounding areas, academy rejects and players from Pontefract Collieries. It's totally flawed now.
It just never evolved. Signed L2 and Conf players when we were in L1 and never adjusted the sliding scale when we moved up a league. I know that is a sweeping statement but generally, that was the failing. Then other teams got better at it. We no longer hear "Barnsley, champions of the data driven approach" but we do hear "Barnsley, of League One". So something broke, somewhere.
We were early adopters with regard to using data to identify players. It gave us the edge over much of the competition. Now everyone uses it, we no longer have that edge, and we're once again limited by the contracts we can offer compared to other teams who have identified the same players. Although the specific metrics analysed and the precedence applied to criteria will still be a differentiater. Using data and using it well aren't necessarily the same. We're not going to stop using data as a tool to identify players. That would put us at a disadvantage. But it no longer provides us with an advantage over other clubs as they use it too, just keeps us in the pack. I've no idea about James's business setup or the implications of the company being dissolved but this does not mean we're no longer using data, we are, and will continue to do so, and it does not mean the strategy failed. It didn't, it was advantageous for a while, now it's something that keeps us in the game.
Given the filings for this company are bordering on trivial it would not reduce anyone’s tax bill. Set up no doubt in an attempt to monetise football data but surpassed by others rendering the value of the ‘spreadsheet’ worthless.
Why does it matter? James has absolutely no involvement with Barnsley FC other than being a fan. It's a monstrous lie to suggest otherwise
There was an advert for a job last year for a player recruitment analyst. Using data etc. I dont know if it was filled, or under who's who at BFC, in another guise.
