Hey Reader,

Most people think lower league clubs operate the same way.

They're wrong.

After hosting Jack Coles (head of recruitment at Lincoln City) and Jacob Newman (recruitment analyst at Barnsley) in the Recruitment Room this month, one thing became crystal clear: League One is the most diverse recruitment landscape in English football.

The Reality Nobody Talks About

Some clubs have 10 live scouts. Others have zero.

Some teams experiment with international ESC spots for overlooked foreign talent. Others stick to traditional domestic scouting, attending matches the old-fashioned way.

The spectrum is vast. And for analysts and scouts looking to break through? This creates both opportunity and complexity.

What Jack and Jacob Revealed

Jack's insight hit hard: "League One clubs range from having substantial live scouting teams to recruitment decisions being made by owners or head coaches directly."

Jacob added another layer: "Some clubs haven't even touched their ESC spots, whilst others use them as a competitive advantage to find value in foreign markets."

The takeaway? Every single club operates differently.

This isn't about budget alone - though that matters. It's about philosophy, risk tolerance, and structural creativity.

The Multi-Tool Advantage

Here's where it gets interesting for your career.

League One clubs need people who can wear multiple hats. Video scouting one week, live match analysis the next. Creating player background reports, then switching to data visualisation.

The constraints create innovation. When you can't hire specialists for every role, you need generalists who can deliver across disciplines.

This is your edge.

The Budget Reality

Larger budgets mean structured teams with clear roles. Smaller budgets mean creative solutions.

Some clubs save costs by avoiding live scouting travel. They become more agent-led, relying on trusted networks rather than direct observation.

Others invest heavily in data and video platforms to maximise their scouting reach without geographical limitations.

Neither approach is right or wrong. They're different solutions to the same challenge: finding players who fit your game model within your means.

What This Means for You

First, research becomes critical. Before any application, understand that club's approach. Do they prioritise live scouting? Are they data-heavy? What's their recent transfer activity telling you about their philosophy?

Second, develop breadth. The specialist route works at Premier League level. At League One level, versatility wins.

Third, embrace the laboratory mindset. These clubs are experimenting with structure, willing to try new approaches. Your fresh perspective isn't just welcome - it's needed.

The Hidden Opportunity

Working with smaller teams means greater impact potential. Your insights carry more weight. Your development accelerates because you're exposed to multiple areas simultaneously.

Yes, this means more responsibility and longer hours. But it also means accelerated learning.

Whilst others seek the clarity of established Premier League structures, you're building the skills that matter: adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to create value regardless of constraints.

Lower league football isn't a stepping stone. It's a proving ground.

Every club is unique. Every structure is different. Every challenge teaches you something about the reality of football recruitment.

The question isn't whether you can handle the diversity.

The question is whether you can use it to become the type of professional every level of football needs: someone who solves problems rather than following others.

Have a great week and go well

Liam

P.S. I always love hearing your thoughts and experiences - hit reply and share what's on your mind about progressing or breaking into football. I read every response and always get back to you.

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