....and it might be a silly thought. Since the club (and Neerav) have decided that data is king even when it isn't why dont we adapt the system. Early on, well before any windows why not: 1. Identify what specific positional players are required (as normal I would hope) 2. Use the data to identify SEVERAL potential players for these positions (akin to what we supposedly do now) 3. Use real, human scouts to go and have a look at each target to determine if the data looks sound or the data is actually taking the piss. By the time the windows come round we'll have a genuine, double-checked idea of who might be a good fit. Less scattergun but still uses data. I know two things though. Someone will say it is a silly idea. Somebody else will say we do this already
The club have decided data is king for at lead 7 years. It’s nothing to do with Neerav. I think the issue is that the best data analysts pick out the best players much further up the leagues than us and the further down you are with less funds, the more likely you are so sign a number of faux pas.
Unfortunately, it appears that 'human' scouts seem to have gone these days (must have looking at signings over last few years). As with most things in todays world, everything seems to be done by computer data/AI(?) and working from office/home instead of getting out there. If the computer says OK then folk believe it, even when if they actually thought about it or, player wise, sent someone to go and watch them, they will find out how good/bad they are. It goes on in all walks of life these days. I may be wrong and someone may correct me, but I used to know people who were 'scouts' or heard about them - don't these days.
Something has clearly changed in the way we recruit and it hasn't been suitably explained by the club. I've several issues with a data approach now it is widespread. Firstly, if the same sources are used, we will be less successful than many clubs because they can afford to get the better players. Secondly, if we use different sources to try and be different, are they robust? Thirdly, the more data you have, the more robust it should be. If we use it to look at younger players still developing, is that data accurate or truly representative? Fourthly, using data to assess players in different leagues and different quality levels does not mean they can transition to league 1 football. Fifthly. We clearly have bought players outside of data parameters. When do we ignore datasets, and why? And which persons opinion are we leaning on in such circumstances? And finally, but perhaps most importantly, data has to be interpreted. You could put the most important information in the world in the hands of a village idiot and it would be worthless.
To be fair, in the interview with Neerav on football heaven he does describe our recruitment process on this way. He did say we use scouts or video footage to support the data. Still produced some rubbish signings though!
Tbf, the club has confirmed this before, and added bits each time. Overall: Data is used to identify, then checks over their mentality and mindset are carried out, after that, they will be watched. Some younger players are tracked over a year to see that the data is correct and they are progressing. Then the club/player will be contacted to discuss. Players like DKD need less scouting as they’re more exposed. Some less exposed ones need more scouting. Some overseas players will be scouted for the club via networks that do this along with video etc. All this is quite normal these days. Budget, league success, stability and personal reasons are what affect signings the most.
I think we sign rubbish players because we have no money firstly for transfer fees & them the wages that player will want. We then go to the French, Irish & American league teams & sign cheap players instead at massive risk. All the players signed in January haven’t added any value to the squad, they were peer pressure signings because the fans wanted new blood thru the door. in reality they would have been better off not bothering & trying to get just 1 player who can actually play football.
It is exactly what we do the only thing you didn't mention is when several targets are identified the list is then reduced by financial restrictions.
