Episode 12

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Published on:

9th May 2025

Ep12: The Recruitment Process That Helps You Think Like a Real Football Club

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Recruitment Process with AI Integration PDF

Summary

In this episode of the Football Insights Academy podcast, hosts Tom Butterfield and David Bromley discuss the evolving landscape of football recruitment, emphasizing the importance of a structured process that incorporates AI and data analysis.

They break down the recruitment process into three key stages:

  • Talent Identification
  • Player Evaluation
  • Target Acquisition

Highlighting the need for clubs to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain effective communication between coaching and recruitment teams.

In this conversation, David Bromley and Tom Butterfield delve into the complexities of football recruitment, emphasising the importance of objective processes in player valuation and squad dynamics.

They discuss the integration of AI into recruitment strategies, highlighting the potential benefits of prompt engineering to enhance decision-making. The conversation also touches on the War Room experience, a practical approach to recruitment, and concludes with insights on nutrition and healthy living.

Takeaways

  • Recruitment in football is evolving with AI and data analysis.
  • A structured recruitment process is essential for success.
  • Talent identification involves filtering a large pool of players.
  • Player evaluation focuses on fit within a team's style of play.
  • Target acquisition requires understanding player values and contract demands.
  • The recruitment model is a three-part process: identification, evaluation, acquisition.
  • Continuous evaluation and adaptation of processes are necessary.
  • Understanding the psychological profile of players is crucial.
  • Clubs must balance short-term needs with long-term squad building.
  • Effective communication between coaches and recruitment teams is vital. You need an objective process for player valuation.
  • Overpaying for players can lead to significant problems for clubs.
  • AI can enhance recruitment processes by providing valuable insights.
  • Prompt engineering is crucial for maximizing AI effectiveness.
  • The War Room experience offers practical recruitment training.
  • Understanding player roles is essential for effective recruitment.
  • AI can help distill complex conversations into actionable insights.
  • Nutrition plays a vital role in overall well-being.
  • Continuous improvement in AI interactions leads to better outcomes.
  • Celery juice is an acquired taste!!

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About the Podcast

Football Insights Academy Podcast
Turning Data Into Game-Changing Insights.
Welcome to The Football Insights Academy Podcast, the ultimate destination for football enthusiasts, aspiring analysts, scouts, and recruitment professionals who want to understand the beautiful game beyond what’s visible on match day. This podcast is dedicated to demystifying the world of football analytics, scouting, and recruitment while empowering listeners to elevate their understanding of the game.
Each episode is packed with:
Deep Dives into Playing Styles: Learn how teams operate on and off the ball with practical insights into identifying tactical frameworks, key player roles, and system dynamics.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Discover how to turn raw stats into actionable insights, with a focus on metrics that matter, from the now mainstream expected goals (xG), through progressive passes, and defensive duels to cutting edge off-ball metrics.
Player Evaluation & Recruitment: From uncovering hidden gems to identifying ‘appropriate’ players for specific roles and styles, we break down the process of effective scouting in a way that’s accessible to beginners and professionals alike.
Real-World Tools and Frameworks: Gain hands-on knowledge of platforms like Wyscout and actionable workflows to identify and evaluate talent using data, including exportable metrics and case studies.
Career Growth Tips: Learn how to get started or level up in football analysis, scouting, or recruitment with practical advice and career-focused strategies.
Designed for those serious about understanding football beyond the surface, the podcast covers everything from core concepts like team playing styles and counter-attacking overlays to advanced recruitment strategies that clubs need today. We also explore the latest trends in football analytics, share inspiring success stories, and provide actionable takeaways for professionals working (or aspiring to work) in the game.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a budding analyst, or a seasoned scout looking to sharpen your skills, The Football Insights Academy Podcast is your go-to resource for developing a deeper understanding of football and making smarter decisions in the world of scouting and recruitment.
Subscribe now and start your journey toward unlocking the game within the game!
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About your hosts

Thomas Butterfield

Profile picture for 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

Profile picture for 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.