[hardgums]

The missus and I went along to yesterday's lunch and talk with the club's data analyst, Jack. To say we were impressed is understating it. With the financial backing of Phil and Ash Kirk, we now have one of the best analytical systems outside the Championship. The amount of information we have on the opposition, and indeed, the performance of our own players, is staggering. Jack and his assistant work pretty much seven days a week to supply the manager, coaches and players with detailed information. Impressive as the set-up was, it was heartening to hear that we are informed by the data, not controlled by it! Time and time again, Cookie's knowledge and man-management skills were highlighted as being the key to our continuing success. Thanks also to Pete for the stadium tour and to John Croot for his insights. Marvellous stuff.

[JonB]

#bloatedbackroomstaff and all that. Another sign of how things have changed and how the analysis of everything is helping with things including identifying players as possible signings.

[hardgums]

JonB, on 26 June 2025 - 09:48 AM, said:

#bloatedbackroomstaff and all that. Another sign of how things have changed and how the analysis of everything is helping with things including identifying players as possible signings.

Spot on! If anyone was under the impression that we have a bloated backroom staff, then they are badly mistaken. Yesterday was a real eye-opener

[Blue5]

 hardgums, on 26 June 2025 - 09:15 AM, said:

The missus and I went along to yesterday's lunch and talk with the club's data analyst, Jack. To say we were impressed is understating it. With the financial backing of Phil and Ash Kirk, we now have one of the best analytical systems outside the Championship. The amount of information we have on the opposition, and indeed, the performance of our own players, is staggering. Jack and his assistant work pretty much seven days a week to supply the manager, coaches and players with detailed information. Impressive as the set-up was, it was heartening to hear that we are informed by the data, not controlled by it! Time and time again, Cookie's knowledge and man-management skills were highlighted as being the key to our continuing success. Thanks also to Pete for the stadium tour and to John Croot for his insights. Marvellous stuff.

Good to hear you enjoyed it.

It's a fascinating subject and one that's had the greatest influence on the modern game. When I saw it advertised, I thought it was an area of the club that was deserving of a wider audience than those prepared to pay £50, but I then came to the conclusion that it's a probably a subject that works best in small groups.

You've mentioned the role that data plays in analysing the opposition and our own players, but what role does Jack and data play in our recruitment?

[hardgums]

Blue5, on 26 June 2025 - 10:33 AM, said:

Good to hear you enjoyed it.

It's a fascinating subject and one that's had the greatest influence on the modern game. When I saw it advertised, I thought it was an area of the club that was deserving of a wider audience than those prepared to pay £50, but I then came to the conclusion that it's a probably a subject that works best in small groups.

You've mentioned the role that data plays in analysing the opposition and our own players, but what role does Jack and data play in our recruitment?

By all accounts, Jack has a key role in recruitment. The club has access to the player statistics of all UK players, as well as those of several overseas countries. An indication of his role can be shown by the fact that when he'd finished with us, he was in with Cookie and Ash, looking at the stats for a possible player signing.

[Valley Blues]

There’s quite clearly a very important role for the analyst in modern football nowadays. But can stats be misleading?

Notts County have based signings on player stats solely for a few seasons now. Cal Roberts was a prime example.

And I had the misfortune of watching my only club World Cup game the other night, Atletico against some Brazilian side, leading to a couple of hours I’m never getting back.

The Madrid CF has the highest xG in the entire tournament but has not registered a single goal.

I’m not belittling the role at all and I’m glad the OP had a good time but I do sometimes think things are over-complicated in the modern game.

[calvin plummers socks]

 Valley Blues, on 26 June 2025 - 12:21 PM, said:

There’s quite clearly a very important role for the analyst in modern football nowadays. But can stats be misleading?

Notts County have based signings on player stats solely for a few seasons now. Cal Roberts was a prime example.

And I had the misfortune of watching my only club World Cup game the other night, Atletico against some Brazilian side, leading to a couple of hours I’m never getting back.

The Madrid CF has the highest xG in the entire tournament but has not registered a single goal.

I’m not belittling the role at all and I’m glad the OP had a good time but I do sometimes think things are over-complicated in the modern game.

Don’t forget every club now has analysts.
Their value depends on how much faith in them the coaches have usually

[hardgums]

Valley Blues, on 26 June 2025 - 12:21 PM, said:

There’s quite clearly a very important role for the analyst in modern football nowadays. But can stats be misleading?

Notts County have based signings on player stats solely for a few seasons now. Cal Roberts was a prime example.

And I had the misfortune of watching my only club World Cup game the other night, Atletico against some Brazilian side, leading to a couple of hours I’m never getting back.

The Madrid CF has the highest xG in the entire tournament but has not registered a single goal.

I’m not belittling the role at all and I’m glad the OP had a good time but I do sometimes think things are over-complicated in the modern game.

Actually, that point was touched on during the chat. Some clubs are completely stats-driven, end of. We're not, apparently. Cookie is always looking for the human element. On signings, he'd never sign anyone who was a 'wrong un', however good their stats are

[Sammy Spireite]

 hardgums, on 26 June 2025 - 11:56 AM, said:

By all accounts, Jack has a key role in recruitment. The club has access to the player statistics of all UK players, as well as those of several overseas countries. An indication of his role can be shown by the fact that when he'd finished with us, he was in with Cookie and Ash, looking at the stats for a possible player signing.

I would imagine the player data comes from WyScout, which having been shown briefly during last season, is a most comprehensive database on virtually every player who’s ever played first or reserve team football. You can micro analyse any facet of any player, with video evidence to back it up.

Assume as part of the subscription model, we agree to provide such data on our players for others too?

[Bankrobber]

I was there too and it was really interesting. I knew data was driving the game these days but it was fascinating to see it in action first hand. I was disappointed my lad was at school because he would have found it fascinating and it showed that there are real careers to be had in the game that don’t involve kicking a ball about.

Fair play to Jack. He really puts the hours in!

[dim view]

Blue5, on 26 June 2025 - 10:33 AM, said:

Good to hear you enjoyed it.

It's a fascinating subject and one that's had the greatest influence on the modern game. When I saw it advertised, I thought it was an area of the club that was deserving of a wider audience than those prepared to pay £50, but I then came to the conclusion that it's a probably a subject that works best in small groups.

You've mentioned the role that data plays in analysing the opposition and our own players, but what role does Jack and data play in our recruitment?

Gizza job......

Posted 12 December 2024 - 09:13 PM

Wor I'd be doing is looking at the strikers at the clubs at the bottom of this league but have a big budget. So, they have ambition and have attracted good players but are failing miserably. If say 6 teams qualify, 1 of them will have a striker that Cook likes, can shine at the level, is youthful, and will improve the squad. This logic might also apply to a few teams in Scotland. All the better if one is at the end of his contract.

Bump
Here we go, having done half an hour research on't computer. Dara Costelloe. On loan at Accrington from Burnley. 5 goals in 15. OOC 2025. Got some Irish fight in him.

PS. This is just a whimsical example.

[Westbars Spireite]

 hardgums, on 26 June 2025 - 03:11 PM, said:

Actually, that point was touched on during the chat. Some clubs are completely stats-driven, end of. We're not, apparently. Cookie is always looking for the human element. On signings, he'd never sign anyone who was a 'wrong un', however good their stats are

He signed Drummond.

[dim view]

Bump

I'm a bit of a technophobe.
Anybody know how I can listen to this, presumably aired live on Friday?

Tune into Afternoon Drive with Dino live on 1866 Sport from 5pm for an exclusive interview with the club's CEO, John Croot, and head of recruitment, Neill Hornby.
They talk about:
• The new signings
• What goes on behind the scenes
• What it takes to make transfers happen

[Johnnyspireite7]

dim view, on 28 June 2025 - 10:49 AM, said:

Bump

I'm a bit of a technophobe.
Anybody know how I can listen to this, presumably aired live on Friday?

Tune into Afternoon Drive with Dino live on 1866 Sport from 5pm for an exclusive interview with the club's CEO, John Croot, and head of recruitment, Neill Hornby.
They talk about:
• The new signings
• What goes on behind the scenes
• What it takes to make transfers happen

https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/1866-sport