Episode 48

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Published on:

5th Mar 2026

Ep48: Turning Behaviours into Metrics - Choosing KPI's that Serve The Team Identity (And Avoid Analysis Theatre)

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Summary

In this episode of the AI in Football podcast, hosts Tom Butterfield and David Bromley discuss the critical aspects of recruitment in football, emphasizing the importance of clarity in defining player behaviors and the role of data analytics in making informed decisions. They explore the concept of 'Analysis Theatre,' where analysis appears rigorous but lacks connection to actual performance needs. The conversation also covers the significance of KPIs, the process of KPI weighting, and how AI can assist in refining recruitment strategies while ensuring that human judgment remains central to decision-making.

Takeaways

  1. Recruitment decisions in football require clarity and defined behaviors.
  2. Analysis Theatre occurs when data analysis is disconnected from actual needs.
  3. KPIs should be based on behaviors rather than just metrics.
  4. AI can help streamline the recruitment process but should not replace human judgment.
  5. Effective recruitment involves a clear understanding of team identity and player fit.
  6. KPI weighting should reflect the agreed-upon team identity and objectives.
  7. The recruitment process should prioritize behaviors over statistics.
  8. Data without a behavioral anchor is often just noise.
  9. Clarity in recruitment meetings prevents subjective decision-making.
  10. The recruitment process should be iterative, refining behaviors and metrics continuously.

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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.