The use of Performance Analysis and data-driven techniques within men’s football recruitment

Conference poster


Frost, W. and Nicholls, SB. 2024. The use of Performance Analysis and data-driven techniques within men’s football recruitment . 14th World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport. Middlesex University, London 27 - 30 Aug 2024
AuthorsFrost, W. and Nicholls, SB.
TypeConference poster
Abstract

Introduction
The inflated costs of player recruitment in football have driven clubs to adopt data-driven approaches and performance analysis (PA) to gain a competitive edge. This study explores the perceptions and uses of PA/data within the player recruitment process.

Methods
A questionnaire was distributed to stakeholders (e.g., managers, scouts, analysts, coaches; n = 19) from football clubs (n = 19) involved in senior player recruitment. The questionnaire focused on demographics, PA/data use, and perceptions of PA/data. Responses were analysed using Mann-Whitney U and Cramer’s V tests (Likert scales) and thematic analysis (comments), with comparisons made between experienced and inexperienced participants.

Results
Most participants utilised external datasets. No significant differences in PA metric use were found. Data-driven insights primarily supported decision-making. Performance metrics aided in player comparison and identification of those matching the club's style. Video analysis was common for player analysis. Inexperienced recruiters employed performance profiling more frequently (p = 0.043) to compare players. Due-diligence complements these tools by assessing a player's personality and cultural fit.

Discussion & Conclusion
PA and data are widely valued in football recruitment for quantifying potential and uncovering hidden talent. The study indicates that data-driven methods, video analysis, and performance profiling can help clubs make informed recruitment decisions, regardless of budget or time constraints.

KeywordsPerformance analysis; data-driven recruitment; football recruitment; performance profiling; football recruitment process
Year2024
Conference14th World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport
Web address (URL)https://www.mdx.ac.uk/wcpas2024/
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Open
Publication process dates
Deposited06 Sep 2024
Permalink -

https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/q809v/the-use-of-performance-analysis-and-data-driven-techniques-within-men-s-football-recruitment

Download files


Publisher's version
Abstract.docx
File access level: Open

  • 28
    total views
  • 4
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Physiological and Perceptual Demands During a Simulated “The Hundred” Batting Work-Bout in Female Cricketers
Pote, L., Nicholls, S., Shaw, A., Keenan, J. and Christie, C.J. 2024. Physiological and Perceptual Demands During a Simulated “The Hundred” Batting Work-Bout in Female Cricketers. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise. pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-024-00287-8
Validating and Identifying KPIs in ATP/WTA hard court tennis match play (2019-2023) using the PWOL method.
Venn-Moncur, M.J, Parmar, N, White, C.J, Callingham, T and Nicholls, S.B 2024. Validating and Identifying KPIs in ATP/WTA hard court tennis match play (2019-2023) using the PWOL method. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241235595
Evaluating goal threat in football using player and ball locations
Nordahl, O. A, Kim, J, James, N, Gwon, U, Parmar, N, Nicholls, S. and Vuckovic, G 2023. Evaluating goal threat in football using player and ball locations. Kinesiologia Slovenica. 29 (3), pp. 26-48. https://doi.org/10.52165/kinsi.29.3.26-48
The importance of appearing trustworthy in the workplace: Performance analysts’ perspectives
Nelson, L., James, N., Nicholls, S., Parmar, N and Groom, R. 2023. The importance of appearing trustworthy in the workplace: Performance analysts’ perspectives. Sport, Education and Society. pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2023.2288844
Anthropometric and morphological characteristics of elite male cricket bowlers and batters over time: A systematic review
Nicholls, S., Pote, L., Christie, C. and King, G 2023. Anthropometric and morphological characteristics of elite male cricket bowlers and batters over time: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231176441
An analysis of specific batting demands in the women’s The Hundred competition
Scott Nicholls, James Keenan, Anya-Mae Cresswell and Lee Pote 2023. An analysis of specific batting demands in the women’s The Hundred competition. South African Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2023/v35i1a15056
The role of selected pre-match covariates on the outcome of One-day International (ODI) cricket matches
Kayla McEwan, Lee Pote, Scott Nicholls, Sarah Radloff and Candice Christie 2023. The role of selected pre-match covariates on the outcome of One-day International (ODI) cricket matches. South African Journal of Sports Medicine. 35 (1), pp. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2023/v35i1a15012
The Change in Test Cricket Performance Following the Introduction of T20 Cricket
Scott Nicholls, Pote, L., Edward Thomson and Nicola Theis 2023. The Change in Test Cricket Performance Following the Introduction of T20 Cricket. Sports Innovation Journal. 4, pp. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.18060/26438
Performance analysis practice within Olympic and Paralympic sports: A comparison of coach and analyst experiences.
Nicholls, S.B, James, N, Wells, J and Parmar, N 2022. Performance analysis practice within Olympic and Paralympic sports: A comparison of coach and analyst experiences. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 22 (3), pp. 343-351. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2022.2054623
The role of debriefing in enhancing learning and development in professional boxing
Kojman, Y, Beeching, K, Gomez, M.A, Parmar, N and Nicholls, S.B 2022. The role of debriefing in enhancing learning and development in professional boxing. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 22 (2), pp. 250-260. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2022.2042640
Elite coaches’ use and engagement with performance analysis within Olympic and Paralympic sport
Nicholls, Scott, James, Nic, Bryant, Elizabeth and Wells, Julia 2018. Elite coaches’ use and engagement with performance analysis within Olympic and Paralympic sport. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 18 (5), pp. 764-779. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1517290
The observational analysis of elite coaches within youth soccer: The importance of performance analysis
Nicholls, Scott and Worsfold, Paul 2016. The observational analysis of elite coaches within youth soccer: The importance of performance analysis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 11 (6), pp. 825-831. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954116676109
The implementation of performance analysis and feedback within Olympic sport: The performance analyst's perspective
Nicholls, Scott, James, Nic, Bryant, Elizabeth and Wells, Julia 2018. The implementation of performance analysis and feedback within Olympic sport: The performance analyst's perspective. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 14 (1), pp. 63-71. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954118808081