Hey Reader,

I've just been featured in my first book.

The book is called Scout Stories: A life in the shadows and it's by Jon Cotterill.

You might know Jon from Anatomy of a Football Scout - a book I love and still recommend to anyone serious about understanding this industry.

For Scout Stories Jon took a different approach. He interviewed 26 scouts from around the world, from Premier League clubs to Non-League. Being selected meant sharing the unfiltered reality of what this job actually involves.

Here's what I told him - and what it means for your career.

The Experience Paradox

There's a shift happening. Less experienced, more data-minded people are landing roles as technical scouts.

I've seen this firsthand across multiple clubs. The traditional scout with years of pitch-side experience is being replaced by analysts who understand data models but may never have sat in a cold stand on a Tuesday night in Rochdale.

This creates opportunities. But it also creates problems.

You're potentially losing staff with decades of experience they could share with younger people wanting to break in. That wisdom disappears when clubs prioritise spreadsheet skills over understanding what you're actually watching.

What Data Actually Does

Here's the process that works: Data as the first filter aligned to positional profiling. Video scouting follows. Live scouting when needed. Data again at the end for context.

Data hasn't changed my work. It's made it more efficient.

The misconception is that data vs eyes is some great battle. It's not. Context is everything. If you have enough minutes played, trust the data and the process. If only one scout has seen them live but the data sample is small, multiple scouts need to watch in different contexts.

It depends on the sample size and context of the data versus the number of scouts who've seen the player.

The Volunteering Reality

Job security in scouting is low. Several recruitment teams have been restricted or made redundant in recent years.

This creates a problem. High demand, low supply of jobs. Lower division clubs don't have big budgets to pay. Higher clubs could do more but often don't.

Not all unpaid work is bad. You can get significant value: feedback, access to meetings, behind-the-scenes processes, education, or genuine pathways into paid roles. But clubs higher up could do more to offer better value through expenses and proper compensation.

What AI Can't Do

AI will help improve processes and make data more digestible to decision-makers. What it can't do is apply the context needed in recruitment.

Scouts find the WHY behind things. They build relationships with agents, players, parents, and contacts to get transfers done. They gather character information and background details you won't find online.

AI can process numbers. It can't tell you why a player performed differently when his partner left him three games into the season.

The Getting Started Truth

Don't wait.

You don't need formal education, a degree, or fancy templates. Find competitions that stream games online. Write reports on players. Share them online.

Sharing gets you feedback, helps you develop, and grows your network of aspiring scouts and people already in the game.

Do the FA Talent ID Level 1 - it's online and free.

Aspiring scouts place far too much emphasis on courses. Courses provide basic knowledge when starting, but the best learning comes from experience, writing reports, and seeking feedback. There isn't much weight behind private scouting courses. Clubs want people with experience and FA Talent ID certificates.

The Misconception Problem

People think scouting is just watching players. There's planning logistics, travelling, gathering background information, and building relationships. Some think you need a degree and formal education to start.

You don't.

Why Signings Still Fail

Footballers are people. Some don't adapt to a new club, city, or life. Others thrive. There are contributing factors beyond getting on the pitch: culture, relationships, personal circumstances.

Even with perfect scouting processes, clubs will always miss out on players. You cannot be everywhere, even with the biggest scouting department.

The key is collaboration between scouts and analysts to design effective models.

The Respect Question

Is scouting respected? Yes and no.

Yes, everyone understands the importance of trusted people giving opinions on players. No, because more could be done to support scout development and education formally.

Scouts deserve better recognition across pay, rewards, and benefits, especially given their workload.

What This Means for You

The industry is changing, but human judgment remains essential. Data opens doors, but context gets deals done.

Start writing reports today. Share them online. Get feedback. Build relationships.

The path isn't linear, but it's there for those willing to do the work without waiting for perfect conditions.

If you haven't already get your hands on Jon Cotterill's books.

​Anatomy of a football scout helped me become a better scout.

​Scouts' Stories allows me to learn from scouting experts from around the world.

Have a great week, and go well.

Liam

Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you: ​Free 1-2-1 Breakthrough Call - Frustrated trying to break into football recruitment? Tired of rejection after rejection? No idea how to get your first role in professional scouting or analysis? Get your free Football Career breakthrough Call to create a clear pathway to reach your goals in the football industry. ​Recruitment Room - My online membership community helps aspiring and new football professionals secure jobs working in recruitment. Master the four pillars of scouting, analysis, online portfolio, and employment. Learn from industry experts through our workshops, hot seats, and live sessions.