Positional Scout

[Sifive 15]

https://trainingground.guru/articles/lewis-takes-new-role-as-norwich-build-up-positional-scouting-team

[hogesar 9,724]

Quote

Norwich do not have imminent plans to appoint a new Head of Performance Analysis, having recently hired Connor Cole from Southampton as First-Team Analyst and Billy Wright from Watford as First Team Set Piece and Training Analyst.

Seems like a continuation from what Webber has spent the last couple of years implementing. Of course it supports a data (led?) approach whilst mimicking some of Brightons scouting methods. I know Webber spent a decent amount of time speaking and doing talks etc with Brightons ex-SD (now at Chelsea) so not that surprising if it's led to following their style closely.

It obviously fits in with Knappers data-keen approach too, so not surprising to see this continuing.

[shefcanary 2,444]

The Knapperlution starts, albeit it appears Webber had agreed to the changes before his departure but held off confirming them, leaving it to Knapper. I've tried to make sense of the new Positional Scouting team (used to good effect at Brighton and apparently used by Knapper at Arsenal).

• Lee Dunn: retains his role as Head of Recruitment;
• Lead positional scouts specialising in live assessment: Matt Lewis (previously head of performance analysis - this role is not being replaced for now), Kamil Nowak (moved from Bunrley) & Leonardo Scirpoli (from Hertha Berlin & Arsenal);
• Technical scouts (focussing on video and data): Robbie Thelwell (ex-Aston Villa scout), Matthew Kimber (previously Lincoln, Burnley and Wolves) & , Mike Haines (ex-Manchester United recruitment analyst).
• Performance analysts: Connor Cole (ex-Southampton) & Billy Wright (ex-Watford).

That's quite a headcount, with a wide background of clubs. 

[BroadstairsR 2,199]

So many cooks, yet the broth hasn't tasted so good lately.

So many on the payroll, no wonder the club bleeds money.

Actually, from my rather limited understanding/reading of it I suppose I'm generally in favour of all this 'ere mardeern stuff gorn on at Carrra Rud but let's hope it all bears more obvious fruit than the much-maligned and expensive Soccerbot seems to have done.

Long live the Kmapperlution. 

Picture heading PinkUn article:

Ipswich Town had that famous tree growing on top of their stand, at least we have a cathedral. Far more classy. 

Edited November 16, 2023 by BroadstairsR

[In my blood 37]

Positional scout seems a good idea. Perhaps we will stop signing goalies every 3 months!

[Bert 236]

[Peregrine Shorts 331]

whatever position player you want.........Kenny McLean is the answer

[Capt. Pants 4,274]

These are the Leads and Head Ofs so there'll be boots on the ground as well. No mention specifically of South America which is a bit strange as I thought that was a market we were becoming more active in? Perhaps Stu went there to close them off.

[repman 635]

The positional scout system makes a lot of sense when you consider how much scouting now is done via video first, there's no longer a need to have someone on location all the time. 

The reason we aren't looking to appoint someone new in the performance analysis role is because most of Lewis' role has been taken over this season by Christoph Buhler.

[cambridgeshire canary 6,787]

Well fair to say whoever has been training our defenders needs replacing..

[YellowSubmarine 39]

This is the second season the club has been position specific scouting, so not a new thing this season. Matt Lewis was moved into the role to replace Tom Reeves who moved to Middlesbrough to reunite with Kieran Scott and Chris Jones. 

[Michael Starr 520]

What an amazing job for the person taking on the defensive midfielder position. Doesn't even need to go into the office.

[Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man 3,852]

3 hours ago, Capt. Pants said:

These are the Leads and Head Ofs so there'll be boots on the ground as well. No mention specifically of South America which is a bit strange as I thought that was a market we were becoming more active in? Perhaps Stu went there to close them off.

The positional scouting model, as employed by Brighton, sees scouts focus on one particular position and scout all geographical locations rather than the traditional method of scouting a particular location for all positions. Based on that, I'd imagine all/most of our scouts are looking at South America for their designated position.

[KeiranShikari 1,426]

1 minute ago, Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man said:

The positional scouting model, as employed by Brighton, sees scouts focus on one particular position and scout all geographical locations rather than the traditional method of scouting a particular location for all positions. Based on that, I'd imagine all/most of our scouts are looking at South America for their designated position.

Sadly for all but a few of them they'll be working from the office. They could probably engineer sending their boss to some not so ideal locations though if they wanted to.

[YellowSubmarine 39]

14 minutes ago, Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man said:

The positional scouting model, as employed by Brighton, sees scouts focus on one particular position and scout all geographical locations rather than the traditional method of scouting a particular location for all positions. Based on that, I'd imagine all/most of our scouts are looking at South America for their designated position.

There are two Full time scouts that cover SA who cover all positions with support from Nisotaki and Dunn. The positional scouts only scout in Europe as you said firstly. 

[paddycanary 539]

5 hours ago, Michael Starr said:

What an amazing job for the person taking on the defensive midfielder position. Doesn't even need to go into the office.

Yes, they'll be "working from home." No need to wear long trousers ever again. Dream job.

[ged in the onion bag 856]

After 4 years of shambolic recruitment, I’ll not be convinced until they get it right with the signings.    One observation though… the recruitment should fit with the philosophy, the plan!     Not sure Ben is ready to introduce a philosophy or plan yet so isn’t this all premature.   
 

Football’s a lot more complicated than just numbers though…. Spotting players needs game understanding too!