Really great article. I think your point about whether our recruitment (and subsequent tactics) have been driven in anyway by data is a valid and interesting one. And I personally think it probably hasn't due to the main issue you tackle in the article: that the last decade (at least) has been dominated by a single style of play that relies upon the twelfth man of the Lane and the "he's a Blade" type player. Having recently read Rory Smith's excellent book Expected Goals, I can just imagine that our managers (bar Jocanavic) not being too impressed with statistically lead recruitment and tactics. But I may be being unkind. I think your point about our "identity" has probably worked against a more analytical approach to the football at BDTBL. I would be interested to know whether that "pashun" and feral atmosphere we create works against data driven football and planning practically rather than philosophically. I agree we need to refind our mojo and make our home a fortress again. Be interesting to see if this is at the expense of data driven planning, or whether the two things are incompatible. Great writing BTW.
“From the start of next season, the first task of the manager and the boardroom is to spark Bramall Lane into life …” HEAR, HEAR!!
The only rub is, can we actually trust the people at the top to make the necessary changes? Those changes you suggest are excellent and certainly a great template for Sheffield United to follow – we just need faith that it will come to pass.
You’ve eloquently put the case for all Blades’ supporters, I feel.
Really great article. I think your point about whether our recruitment (and subsequent tactics) have been driven in anyway by data is a valid and interesting one. And I personally think it probably hasn't due to the main issue you tackle in the article: that the last decade (at least) has been dominated by a single style of play that relies upon the twelfth man of the Lane and the "he's a Blade" type player. Having recently read Rory Smith's excellent book Expected Goals, I can just imagine that our managers (bar Jocanavic) not being too impressed with statistically lead recruitment and tactics. But I may be being unkind. I think your point about our "identity" has probably worked against a more analytical approach to the football at BDTBL. I would be interested to know whether that "pashun" and feral atmosphere we create works against data driven football and planning practically rather than philosophically. I agree we need to refind our mojo and make our home a fortress again. Be interesting to see if this is at the expense of data driven planning, or whether the two things are incompatible. Great writing BTW.
Excellent piece!
Thank you, Jon
“From the start of next season, the first task of the manager and the boardroom is to spark Bramall Lane into life …” HEAR, HEAR!!
The only rub is, can we actually trust the people at the top to make the necessary changes? Those changes you suggest are excellent and certainly a great template for Sheffield United to follow – we just need faith that it will come to pass.
You’ve eloquently put the case for all Blades’ supporters, I feel.
Sue.