full

full

Published on:

19th Feb 2026

Bonus Episode 2 - Replacing Heung-Min Son - Ranking The Best Fit Replacements (Xavi Simons Ranked Number 33!)

YouTube Version

Join the Free Kickstart Challenge

Summary

In this episode of the AI in Football podcast, hosts Tom Butterfield and David Bromley delve into the recruitment process for Tottenham Hotspur, focusing on the use of data analytics and AI in player selection.

They discuss personal updates, the importance of a structured recruitment process, and the various stages involved in identifying and evaluating potential players.

The conversation highlights the significance of data import, player rankings, video scouting, and the due diligence required before finalizing selections. The hosts reflect on the efficiency of the process and the need for continuous improvement in recruitment strategies.

Takeaways

The recruitment process is structured into multiple stages.
Data analytics plays a crucial role in player selection.
Pre-mortem analysis helps identify potential pitfalls in recruitment.
Video scouting provides valuable insights into player performance.
The target matrix is essential for tracking potential signings.
Due diligence is necessary before finalizing player selections.
Efficiency in scouting can lead to better recruitment outcomes.
AI analysis can enhance the evaluation of player metrics.
Continuous improvement is vital in recruitment strategies.
Understanding the club's playing style is key to successful signings.

Useful Links

Join the Free Kickstart Challenge

Support The Show - Buy David and Tom a bag of peanut M&M's.

Youtube Channel

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Support A.I. In Football

A huge thank you to our supporters, it means a lot that you support our podcast.

If you like the podcast and want to support it, too, you can leave us a tip using the button below. We really appreciate it and it only takes a moment!

Support A.I. In Football

A

We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!

Listen for free

RSS Feed Spotify

Show artwork for A.I. In Football

About the Podcast

A.I. In Football

Recruitment Decisions, Done Properly.

AI in Football: Recruitment Decisions, Done Properly is a practical podcast about how football clubs make better recruitment decisions in an AI world — without the hype.

We don’t chase novelty tools. We focus on the thinking and structure that makes any tool useful: clear role briefs, behaviours over labels, constraints and trade-offs, repeatable shortlisting, and decision review that actually improves the process.

Each episode gives you something you can use:

- Role Definition Templates (behaviour-based, not position labels)

- Question sets that lead to better shortlists

- Meeting Structures that stop recruitment becoming a persuasion contest

- Simple Ways to Stress-Test Decisions (“what would make this wrong?”)

- How AI Fits Safely: drafting, checking, standardising outputs — never replacing judgement

If you work in recruitment, scouting, analysis, coaching, or you’re aiming to, this show is for you. Clarity First. Tools Second.

Support This Show

About your hosts

Thomas Butterfield

I'm a very approachable obsessive learner who is always interested in the stories of others, and how that information and experience can be used to help others move the needle of their life in a positive direction.

As a result of the work I do adults and younger people understand the importance of being an active participant in their own health.

The result of this is we at Elevate Health Chiropractic and Wellbeing are putting better educated individuals into the community who are making better health decisions for themselves and those they care for the most.
They move better, they eat better, they think better.

They Feel Better.

We are always looking to work with and help individuals and organisations who value their own health, that of their family, or their staff high enough to take that next step with Elevate Health, Chiropractic and Wellbeing.

David Bromley

For the last fifteen years I have applied my analytical, systems-evaluation and financial background to the football industry.

As a long-term student of the game I hold coaching badges from the English Football Association and am a certified member of the Professional Football Scouts Association.

I hold distinctions in the Prozone (STATS) Professional Performance Analysis/ Performance Data & Recruitment Certificates Levels 1,2 & 3 in addition to being an F.A. Registered Intermediary.

My experience in football has enabled me to view player recruitment from the 'sharp end' and allows me to tailor my service to meet clients' best interests.