Head of Football Insights

[Corky]

Someone good with the media and knows what a class dressing room looks like.

 

Give it Conor Coady.

[Samilktray]

8 minutes ago, foxfanazer said:

Aren't things bad enough already 

Well this is incredibly mean 

[surrifox]

Appoint Hugh Bonneville 

[Donwebbio]

I mean, what a pi$$ take. We have a boardroom full of highly-paid executives whose job it is to show insight make good decisions for our club. This is a blatant admission that nobody knows what they are doing down there. We are a total laughing stock.

[surrifox]

12 minutes ago, Donwebbio said:

I mean, what a pi$$ take. We have a boardroom full of highly-paid executives whose job it is to show insight make good decisions for our club. This is a blatant admission that nobody knows what they are doing down there. We are a total laughing stock.

This is very insightful , you should consider applying 😂

[fazzyfox]

Maybe it comes from Martins bafflement as to why we "aren't doing better in both boxes" as he says week in week out after coaching them himself for a week. We need to pay a fortune for someone to find that answer it seems (whereas sane clubs would instead change the manager).

 

As for analysis and data, in terms of preparation, just about every opponent this season has been streets ahead of us. Identifying our weakness is not difficult to be fair, there are as yet undiscovered tribes in the amazon rain forest and even they know Martin plays a risky "pass out from the back" game plan. When have WE looked like we've sussed out an opponents weakness, preyed on a weak full back (Cough..Thomas) like they do, hurried a CB who can't pass under pressure, stifled a play maker so he can't run the game, snuffed out wingers by forcing them inside, had successful set pieces etc etc. 

 

This all seems like a result of a review of Martin, concluding "Not his fault, the guy clearly needs some more help", maybe other clubs have that larger broader structure, I recall Maresca suggesting a re-modelling of the club staffing (shortly before he b***ered off!). 

I don't know many clubs at this level who would happily employ an expensive egotist then concede, he, Seagrave, the squad, aren't enough, we need another body on board before we can  achieve a few wins vs the mighty Burtons and Peterboroughs of this league, it seems a luxury right now but if it's part of broadening your foundations for a hopefully higher ceiling then maybe OK  .

[tcrofts]

In the summer, Premier League side Tottenham appointed Joe Ferrelly as Head of Football Insights from Sport Republic – the group that jointly owns Southampton, Valenciennes and Goztepe. The role involves applying data insights across football systems, research and decision science.

 

Gone well so far

[jimsmallman]

A mate of mine who works in analytics told me about this vacancy the other day.  He says it shows that we're clearly working towards better long-term goals as a club and it's a big positive step for the club to be run better.

[l444ry]

Rather than admit that they have made two useless appointments in McCarron and Martin to assist to the long standing failure that is Rudkin, the three of them have now decided next best thing is to employ a computer whizz-kid and turn the club into a Pantomime Act. 

[davieG]

1 hour ago, whoareyaaa said:

Pearson was basically running the whole club with Shakey and Walsh although we did have Viachia at the time as well and Susan and John wasn't that important in regards to descsion making.

 

If and when we get a new owner I would sack Rudkin, this Mcarron and bring in Pearson to build what he did previously with Walsh and Wheelan.

 

Didn't Pearson have a hand in pretty much everything regards to medical, players and running of the club in general.

 

Until we get a new owner nothing is going to change.

I think he was more of a hands off manager but recruited the best people he could to do all the various aspects of running a football club and then trusted them to do it and seemingly they did.

[Dan]

Another wage just to bring in another person who'll tell them their stupid ideas aren't actually stupid. Brill.

[Freeman's Wharfer]

40 minutes ago, tcrofts said:

In the summer, Premier League side Tottenham appointed Joe Ferrelly as Head of Football Insights from Sport Republic – the group that jointly owns Southampton, Valenciennes and Goztepe. The role involves applying data insights across football systems, research and decision science.

 

Gone well so far

Such a weird final paragraph that one, almost like AI spat it out and it was just included to pad out the word count.

 

In theory, this sounds like a good move (bringing fresh perspective and expertise in).

 

in reality, if its this lot that are doing the appointment then they’ll just bring in another ‘dominate the ball’ muppet.

[davieG]

35 minutes ago, jimsmallman said:

A mate of mine who works in analytics told me about this vacancy the other day.  He says it shows that we're clearly working towards better long-term goals as a club and it's a big positive step for the club to be run better.

If I had the skills I'd be wary of applying who knows what's going to happen to the club and all the employees. I guess at worst he'd end up with no job and a hefty pay off.

[Gamble92]

2 hours ago, ALC Fox said:

I'd be fully on board with this if I didn't think this was just going to pay lip service to the idea that we're a modern football club.

 

Every club that wants to do well needs a major focus on data not just on the analysis of the current squad but also in the recruitment of playing and coaching staff.

 

Having a separate data chief and Sporting Director is fine for me as long as they can work together well.

 

Do I have the confidence that this club, whoever they hire, will use this person's expertise properly? No, not really. Not while Rudkin and King Power are the ultimate decision makers.

Does it need someone to come in and tell Martin where it’s going wrong for us? Will he listen if he gets told you need to change things? 
 

That’s the real issue. 

[Gazza M]

What a load of crap this is. 

[21st Century Fox]

I wonder whether they’ll appoint someone who tells them what they want or goes against the grain. Hmmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[john ridley]

1 hour ago, jimsmallman said:

A mate of mine who works in analytics told me about this vacancy the other day.  He says it shows that we're clearly working towards better long-term goals as a club and it's a big positive step for the club to be run better.

Bet this wasn't  Rudkins idea .

[AyewJoking]

is it UK law they have to "publicly" offer this position?

 

Surely the only candidate who has credentials for this job is already in the game?

[Wasyls Pec Deck]

Doesn’t look like they’re selling then 

[Golden Fox]

1 hour ago, fazzyfox said:

I recall Maresca suggesting a re-modelling of the club staffing (shortly before he b***ered off!). 

 

1 hour ago, jimsmallman said:

A mate of mine who works in analytics told me about this vacancy the other day.  He says it shows that we're clearly working towards better long-term goals as a club and it's a big positive step for the club to be run better.

Feel this is the most likely explanation. McCarron has come in, worked with our setup for a few months and seen its not working and not what he (or Enzo) would have expected coming from Man City, so has told thd board this is a position we are missing.

 

Probably be equivalent to the wages of a reserve goalkeeper and might add far more value.

[damolcfc]

4 hours ago, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-city-new-role-martin-11199752

 

Leicester City advertise new role to 'support' Russell Martin and James McCarron
Leicester City are looking for a Head of Football Insights to join them

Leicester City are set to bring in support for Russell Martin(Image: 2026 Plumb Images)

Josh Holland Leicester City correspondent
13:00, 15 Oct 2026
Leicester City are recruiting a new Head of Football Insights to support first-team manager Russell Martin and sporting director James McCarron.

The Foxes reshaped their senior leadership at the end of last season, with McCarron arriving from City Football Group. The former Lommel sporting director joined the club in a newly created role at the King Power Stadium.

McCarron worked with Jon Rudkin, who became chief football officer, throughout the summer to appoint Martin and overhaul the playing squad. City signed 16 players for the 2026/27 season and sold the majority of last season's squad following relegation to League One.

 

Months after restructuring their leadership setup, Leicester are now actively recruiting a 'Head of Football Insights' to work within the football department at Seagrave.

The job description reads: "We’re on the lookout for a passionate and skilled Head of Football Insights to join our squad at Leicester City Football Club.

"As a Head of Football Insights, you’ll play a key role in leading Leicester City Football Club's Football Insights Department, integrating Performance Analysis, Data Science and Recruitment data into a high-performing function that delivers objective, timely and actionable insight across key football decisions.

"Your responsibilities will include supporting the First Team Manager and Sporting Director through objective evidence-based football insight through objective evidence and oversight of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked to the Football Strategy, and you’ll need to bring an approach of continuous improvement, curiosity and collaboration to the table."

It adds when describing what the right candidate needs: "The ideal candidate will have significant experience leading Performance Analysis, Data Science or Football Insights within elite professional football.

"You’ll need to possess an excellent understanding of elite football tactics, coaching processes and performance analysis and be well-versed in using modern analysis platforms, tracking data and AI-enabled workflows. Evidence of influencing high-level football decision-making through objective insight is essential, and we’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment."

In the summer, Premier League side Tottenham appointed Joe Ferrelly as Head of Football Insights from Sport Republic – the group that jointly owns Southampton, Valenciennes and Goztepe. The role involves applying data insights across football systems, research and decision science.

So basically anyone that plays Fifa ⚽️ 😝😉

[Gazza M]

Russell/James here's an insight for you - you are both deluded and your tactics are a joke. The end. 

[Legend_in_blue]

This ought to do it.  I particularly like the closing paragraph.

 

 

Hiring Team, Football Operations
Leicester City Football Club
King Power Stadium
Filbert Way
Leicester, LE2 7FL

 

RE: Application for Head of Football Insights

 

Dear Selection Committee,

 

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Head of Football Insights position at Leicester City Football Club. With an extensive background leading data-driven operations within elite professional football, I have consistently succeeded at the exact intersection this role demands: merging performance analysis, advanced data science, and recruitment workflows into a unified, winning strategy. I am fully prepared to lead your department and deliver the objective, actionable intelligence required to drive your first team forward.

 

Throughout my career, I have specialized in breaking down departmental silos. I understand that data science, video analysis, and recruitment scouting are only as valuable as their integration. In my previous roles, I successfully synchronized these distinct functions into a singular infrastructure. By designing unified analytical pipelines, I ensured that raw tracking data and AI-enabled workflows directly informed tactical preparation on the grass and scouting profiles in the boardroom. I am more than capable of leading Leicester City’s insights department to ensure your data is not just comprehensive, but strategically weaponized.

My experience aligns precisely with the core responsibilities outlined in your brief:

• Elite Tactical & Performance Literacy: I possess a deep, practical understanding of elite football tactics and coaching processes. I do not just look at data points; I translate complex tracking metrics, expected metrics (xG, xA, post-shot), and AI models into clear, visual, and impactful concepts that managers and coaching staff can immediately apply to matchday preparation.
• Direct Executive Support: I am highly accustomed to working alongside First Team Managers and Sporting Directors. I know how to deliver high-pressure, evidence-based insights that directly influence multi-million-pound recruitment decisions and critical tactical shifts, utilizing robust KPIs tied to long-term club philosophy.
• Cutting-Edge Technical Expertise: I am thoroughly well-versed in modern analysis platforms (such as Hudl, Hudl Sportscode, and SBG), elite tracking data providers (Second Spectrum, ChyronHego), and custom data science languages (Python, R, SQL). Furthermore, I have actively developed and implemented AI-enabled workflows to automate trend identification, giving coaches a distinct competitive advantage ahead of opposition analysis.

Leicester City has a proud history of innovation, defying odds, and pushing structural boundaries. I thrive in exactly this kind of fast-paced, high-stakes environment. I bring a relentless curiosity, a collaborative leadership style, and a proven track record of converting numbers into points on the league table.

 

I am more than capable of fulfilling every aspect of this role from day one, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my vision for a modern insights department matches the strategic goals of Leicester City Football Club. Since Russell Martin will ultimately not succeed in steering the first team upward, my extensive understanding of technical pipelines, tactical framework implementation, and elite coaching processes makes me far more capable of stepping up to execute his job requirements as well.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

[Stadt]

So we’ll probably end up paying what £500k-£1m p/a in wages for 3 people to do a director of football’s job?

 

Rudkin is a millionaire and has people do his job for him all whilst he’s cost the club about a (literal) billion pounds

[nnfox]

I actually had to check the date that it's not April 1st.

 

Head of Football Insight? As in someone who has insight into football? At a professional football club? Where everyone should have football insight?

 

Have the board actually gathered around a table, someone said "Hey guys, why don't we get someone in who knows about football?", and everyone else is like "I guess we could give it a go, nothing to lose I suppose."

 

You can't make this up.