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Football Insights Academy Podcast

Football Insights Academy Podcast

By: Tom Butterfield & David Bromley
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Welcome to The Football Insights Academy Podcast, the ultimate destination for football enthusiasts, aspiring analysts, scouts, and recruitment professionals who want to understand the beautiful game beyond what’s visible on match day. This podcast is dedicated to demystifying the world of football analytics, scouting, and recruitment while empowering listeners to elevate their understanding of the game. Each episode is packed with: Deep Dives into Playing Styles: Learn how teams operate on and off the ball with practical insights into identifying tactical frameworks, key player roles, and system dynamics. Data-Driven Decision Making: Discover how to turn raw stats into actionable insights, with a focus on metrics that matter, from the now mainstream expected goals (xG), through progressive passes, and defensive duels to cutting edge off-ball metrics. Player Evaluation & Recruitment: From uncovering hidden gems to identifying ‘appropriate’ players for specific roles and styles, we break down the process of effective scouting in a way that’s accessible to beginners and professionals alike. Real-World Tools and Frameworks: Gain hands-on knowledge of platforms like Wyscout and actionable workflows to identify and evaluate talent using data, including exportable metrics and case studies. Career Growth Tips: Learn how to get started or level up in football analysis, scouting, or recruitment with practical advice and career-focused strategies. Designed for those serious about understanding football beyond the surface, the podcast covers everything from core concepts like team playing styles and counter-attacking overlays to advanced recruitment strategies that clubs need today. We also explore the latest trends in football analytics, share inspiring success stories, and provide actionable takeaways for professionals working (or aspiring to work) in the game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a budding analyst, or a seasoned scout looking to sharpen your skills, The Football Insights Academy Podcast is your go-to resource for developing a deeper understanding of football and making smarter decisions in the world of scouting and recruitment. Subscribe now and start your journey toward unlocking the game within the game!Copyright 2025 Tom Butterfield & David Bromley Football (Soccer)
Episodes
  • Ep17: The Thinking Behind the Shortlist — How to Justify Player Picks Like a Pro!
    Jun 13 2025

    Join the Free Kickstart Challenge Course

    Summary

    In this episode of the Football Insights Academy podcast, hosts Tom Butterfield and David Bromley discuss various aspects of football recruitment, including the challenges faced by players in international matches, the constraints that scouts encounter, and the importance of evaluating players from multiple perspectives.

    They emphasise the need for a systematic approach to player evaluation and the necessity of understanding the different concerns of stakeholders within a football club. In this episode, David Bromley and Tom Butterfield delve into the intricacies of player recruitment in football. They discuss the importance of understanding role fit, behavioral evidence, and strategic fit when evaluating players.

    The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to recruitment, including anticipating challenges and preparing for future windows. The hosts also highlight the significance of aligning player selections with the club's philosophy and the necessity of ongoing analysis and adaptation in the recruitment process.

    Takeaways

    • The mental pressure on players can affect their performance.
    • Constraints in recruitment include budget, playing style, and player age.
    • Evaluating players requires both technical analysis and live scouting.
    • Different stakeholders in a club have varying perspectives on player recruitment.
    • It's crucial to prepare for questions from decision-makers in recruitment discussions.
    • Player evaluations should be treated as case studies, not just lists.
    • Understanding the context of a player's performance is essential.
    • Consistency in evaluation criteria is key to effective recruitment.
    • The recruitment process involves balancing financial and performance considerations.
    • Every player signed represents an opportunity cost for the club. The role fit is crucial in player recruitment.
    • Behavioural evidence complements numerical data in evaluations.
    • Strategic fit aligns player choices with club philosophy.
    • Anticipating questions can strengthen recruitment arguments.
    • Preparation for recruitment challenges is essential.
    • Building a shadow team helps in long-term planning.
    • Self-imposed restrictions can clarify recruitment goals.
    • Understanding player behavior is as important as metrics.
    • Recruitment is a continuous process of improvement.
    • Effective communication with stakeholders is key in recruitment.

    Useful Links

    Join the Free Kickstart Challenge Course

    Support The Show - Buy David and Tom a bag of peanut M&M's.

    Instagram

    Youtube Channel

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    36 mins
  • Ep16: Scouting with Constraints — How Real-World Limits Shape Smart Decisions
    Jun 8 2025

    Join the Waiting List - Free Beginners Course

    Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappe

    Summary

    In this episode, hosts David Bromley and Tom Butterfield discuss the dynamics of their podcast, personal updates, and the impact of technology on traditional roles. They delve into the constraints faced in football recruitment, particularly financial limitations and the importance of player fit within a team's system.

    The conversation emphasises the need for adaptability and understanding in the evolving landscape of football analytics and recruitment. In this episode, Tom Butterfield and David Bromley delve into the intricacies of football recruitment, focusing on the evaluation of player fit within team dynamics, the impact of time constraints, and the importance of understanding player motivation. They discuss the necessity of building a balanced squad and how constraints can serve as catalysts for focused recruitment strategies.

    The conversation emphasises the significance of having a structured recruitment process and the value of incremental improvements. Additionally, they explore the future of football recruitment in the context of AI and the importance of simulating real-world challenges to prepare for upcoming changes in the industry.

    Takeaways

    • The podcast's informal style helps connect with listeners.
    • Personal stories enhance the relatability of the hosts.
    • Technology is reshaping traditional roles in various fields.
    • Constraints in recruitment can lead to better decision-making.
    • Financial constraints are a significant factor in football recruitment.
    • Understanding player fit is crucial for team success.
    • The human element in recruitment cannot be overlooked.
    • Data analytics is becoming increasingly important in football.
    • Adapting to changes in technology is essential for success.
    • Awareness of constraints can help identify opportunities. Evaluating player fit is crucial for team dynamics.
    • Time constraints can significantly impact recruitment decisions.
    • Understanding player motivation is key to performance.
    • Building a balanced squad is essential for success.
    • Constraints can help focus recruitment efforts.
    • A structured recruitment process is vital for effective scouting.
    • Incremental improvements lead to long-term success in recruitment.
    • Simulating real-world challenges prepares teams for recruitment.
    • AI will revolutionize football recruitment in the future.
    • Networking and learning from others accelerates growth in recruitment.

    Useful Links

    Join the Waiting List - Free Beginners Course

    Support The Show - Buy David and Tom a bag of peanut M&M's.

    Instagram

    Youtube Channel

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Ep15: What a Recruitment Department Actually Does — and How You Can Train Like You're Already Inside One
    May 31 2025

    Join the Free Beginners Course

    Summary

    In this conversation, David Bromley and Tom Butterfield explore the intricacies of football analysis and recruitment. They discuss the importance of contextualizing metrics, the process of translating coach requirements into actionable data, and the significance of key performance indicators in player evaluation.

    The dialogue emphasizes the transition from amateur scouting to professional recruitment, highlighting the systematic approach needed to identify and evaluate talent effectively. They also introduce the concept of the 'war room' for practical application and community engagement through the Kickstarter Challenge.

    Takeaways

    • Most courses focus on features rather than simulating functions.
    • Context is crucial for effective analysis in football.
    • Translating coach requirements into metrics is essential.
    • Key performance indicators help streamline player evaluation.
    • Scouting should be systematic and goal-oriented.
    • The process of recruitment evolves from amateur to professional.
    • Community engagement enhances the learning experience.
    • Starting simple allows for gradual improvement.
    • Creativity and resourcefulness are key in analysis.
    • Training with constraints leads to better scouting outcomes.

    Useful Links

    Join the Free Beginners Course

    Support The Show - Buy David and Tom a bag of peanut M&M's.

    Instagram

    Youtube Channel

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins

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