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The Art of Scouting - Episode Two, The scouting process

Art of Scouting

How do scouts identify stars of the future and potential transfer targets for their clubs?

In episode two of the Art of Scouting series, the talent spotters discuss their methods - and it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

Art of scouting

The future of scouting


The art of scouting

"I was sitting with [scout] Mel Johnson and we were looking at a Czech Republic goalkeeper," recounts Mike Calvin, author of The Nowhere Men, a book about scouts.

"After about five minutes, he said 'look, you're making the same mistake of every coach and every manager who has ever been out with me. You're watching the game... your job as a scout is to watch your man'."

Click on the video above to watch Johnson and fellow scout Dean Austin discuss their processes and what a typical Saturday entails for them.

How can a player's attitude affect his chances of being signed? Does speed or athleticism play a part in judgements about young players or is it all about ball skills? And how often is a recommendation made on a ‘gut feeling’ about a player?

Click on the video above to watch The Art of Scouting - Episode Two, The Process of Scouting

Find out more about the Sky Bet Transfer Fund at skybet.com/transferfund

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