Official Website of
Forward by ex Manchester United scout John Calvert-Toulmin
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"I can't recommend this book highly enough. Anybody who is interested in scouting or becoming one of the mysterious men/women should read this. Experienced scouts should use it as a refresh, data analysts, coaches and recruiters will all get something from this book. I will certainly be recommending it to my next cohort on the UEFA Elite Scouts Programme."
Les Reed - Consultant Strategist Professional Football. First Vice Chair UEFA Development and Technical Assitance Committee. Director Professional Game Academy Audit Company
Available on Amazon worldwide
Paperback or ebook
about the book
Player recruitment is a complex world. Identifying and then signing the right type of footballer for a club is rarely straightforward and can take months or even years of hard work. But how does the scouting process work? What makes a good scout? What are the challenges for today’s talent spotters and how is scouting developing? The answers are here.
The book covers all the basics of talent identification and a lot more on top. There is advice and tips for would-be scouts and chapters that deal with topics such as which players to flag up, report writing, data and video analysis, bias, junior and youth players, and what to look for in specific positions at any level in the game.
Anatomy of a football scout is aimed at anyone wanting to start out in scouting or has some experience in the field and wants to increase their knowledge. It is also packed with insight for those with a general interest in player recruitment.
about the author
Jon Cotterill lives in São Paulo, Brazil. He has covered South American football since 2002 and has worked for FIFA, the Brazilian Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, NSports, Torneos and TV Globo. His work has appeared in the Guardian, Telegraph, Mail, World Soccer Magazine, FourFourTwo and ESPN FC. He has been involved in player talent ID since 2013.
reviews
'A good insight for those dreaming of a job in talent-spotting ... For those wishing to get involved, or develop a burgeoning talent-spotting career, reading Anatomy of a Football Scout would make an excellent starting point.'
PETER SHARKEY,
Bristol Post. Feb 2022
Transfer updates
Players I flagged up three transfer windows ago finally made a move in Feb 2022.
‘Strongly recommend for consideration’ is what I advised FIVE Premier League clubs when I reported on Julián Álvarez in October 2020. Almost sixteen months later, he signed for Manchester City for £14m (€16.75m).
Bruno Guimarães. Flagged up to TWO Premier League clubs in September 2019.
Moved to Lyon £16.6m (€20m) in January 2020. Signed by Newcastle in January 2022 for £33.3m (€39.6m), rising to a possible £40m (€47.8m) with add-ons.
Kevin Paredes. Flagged up to FIVE Premier League clubs and one Scottish Premiership club in September 2020. Sixteen months later, he signed for Wolfsburg for £5.2M (€6.2m).