Tony Pulis Column: ‘More data than ever, but does it help managers?’
I managed recruitment in all my clubs. I would tell my scouts and coaches what I wanted, then based on their advice, I would do my homework and watch them work.
Over the years there was more noise in this area from other people within the club but I always insisted on being the one making the final decision.
My scouts and coaches knew exactly what type of players I wanted for each position. I often came across good players, but I did not try to sign them because they did not fit the identity of the team I was managing at that time.
Ideally, this type of thinking is used in the data-driven model prevalent today; Here the transfer profile is determined by the identity of the club and what the manager needs.
Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth are good examples of where this system has worked brilliantly, but there are a few more established Premier League clubs that have not used it as successfully.
It’s amazing how they uncover these players, and having access to this information is what has turned the Premier League into a world league where over 65% of its players are foreigners.
However, even though I had data, which is an incredible tool for spotting new talent, as a dinosaur I would still insist on monitoring the player before signing, and I’m sure most managers would now as well.
If the player I signed did not fit that bill, and there were many, then I would be more than happy to raise my hand and accept full responsibility.
But it doesn’t always happen that way anymore and it bothered me to hear that some players brought into a club were not given the manager’s approval or even seen by him.
You will never be successful unless everything comes together.
Today’s young managers often don’t know any different, but when I talk to them about this topic, I always remind them that, at the end of the day, you are the one in front of the bench when your team is playing, and since it is your job that is at stake, the team has to be your making.
So you need to be strong and make sure that the players coming in are better than the ones you have based on the data or what you can see with your own eyes. If you can trust the signer, happy days… if not, you’re in trouble!
