Episode 16

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Published on:

8th Jun 2025

Ep16: Scouting with Constraints — How Real-World Limits Shape Smart Decisions

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Summary

In this episode, hosts David Bromley and Tom Butterfield discuss the dynamics of their podcast, personal updates, and the impact of technology on traditional roles. They delve into the constraints faced in football recruitment, particularly financial limitations and the importance of player fit within a team's system.

The conversation emphasises the need for adaptability and understanding in the evolving landscape of football analytics and recruitment. In this episode, Tom Butterfield and David Bromley delve into the intricacies of football recruitment, focusing on the evaluation of player fit within team dynamics, the impact of time constraints, and the importance of understanding player motivation. They discuss the necessity of building a balanced squad and how constraints can serve as catalysts for focused recruitment strategies.

The conversation emphasises the significance of having a structured recruitment process and the value of incremental improvements. Additionally, they explore the future of football recruitment in the context of AI and the importance of simulating real-world challenges to prepare for upcoming changes in the industry.

Takeaways

  • The podcast's informal style helps connect with listeners.
  • Personal stories enhance the relatability of the hosts.
  • Technology is reshaping traditional roles in various fields.
  • Constraints in recruitment can lead to better decision-making.
  • Financial constraints are a significant factor in football recruitment.
  • Understanding player fit is crucial for team success.
  • The human element in recruitment cannot be overlooked.
  • Data analytics is becoming increasingly important in football.
  • Adapting to changes in technology is essential for success.
  • Awareness of constraints can help identify opportunities. Evaluating player fit is crucial for team dynamics.
  • Time constraints can significantly impact recruitment decisions.
  • Understanding player motivation is key to performance.
  • Building a balanced squad is essential for success.
  • Constraints can help focus recruitment efforts.
  • A structured recruitment process is vital for effective scouting.
  • Incremental improvements lead to long-term success in recruitment.
  • Simulating real-world challenges prepares teams for recruitment.
  • AI will revolutionize football recruitment in the future.
  • Networking and learning from others accelerates growth in recruitment.

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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.
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About your hosts

Thomas Butterfield

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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

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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.