Episode 43

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Published on:

15th Jan 2026

Ep43: The Boundary Line — Using AI in Recruitment Without Getting Burned

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Summary

In this conversation, Tom Butterfield and David Bromley explore the role of AI in recruitment, particularly in the context of football.

They emphasise the importance of clarity and structure before implementing AI tools, highlighting the risks of overconfidence in AI-generated results. The conversation explores the boundaries of AI's usefulness in recruitment, introducing a framework of Green, Amber, and Red to guide safe and effective AI usage.

They discuss how AI can serve as a valuable tool for decision-making but emphasise the importance of human judgment and verification. The conversation covers the boundaries of AI's capabilities, the necessity of stress testing AI outputs, and the significance of defining recruitment needs clearly.

They also address the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and the importance of maintaining high standards in recruitment processes. The discussion concludes with a look ahead at practical applications of AI in recruitment, especially in the context of the upcoming transfer window.

Takeaways

  1. AI can assist in recruitment but requires human verification.
  2. AI should be treated as a starting point, not a conclusion.
  3. Final judgments on players should not be delegated to AI.
  4. Confidential data must be handled with care in recruitment.
  5. Stress testing AI outputs is crucial for effective decision-making.
  6. Recruitment should start with clear role definitions, not player names.
  7. Constraints in recruitment are necessary for making informed decisions.
  8. AI can standardise processes but should not compromise standards.
  9. The recruitment process should include an evidence plan to validate decisions.
  10. AI should enhance human judgment, not replace it.
  11. It's important to find clarity and structure before using AI.
  12. AI can be helpful but may tempt shortcuts.
  13. Understanding where AI helps and where it doesn't is crucial.
  14. Fluency in AI responses does not guarantee accuracy.
  15. Establishing boundaries for AI use is essential.
  16. The recruitment process is brutal; mistakes can be costly.
  17. Verification is key when using AI-generated information.
  18. AI should be a thinking partner, not a decision-maker.
  19. Community involvement can enhance personal well-being.
  20. Rebranding can help focus on specific niches in discussions.

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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

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

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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.