How to scout… or rather, how not to scout in professional football: Advice from an outsider looking in.

Abstract

This research delves into the murky underworld of football scouting, highlighting the challenges that scouts face, including the need to be decisive and work alone, whilst craving collaboration in an ambiguous, unprofessional industry. The study emphasises the idiosyncratic nature of scouting, where scouts can interpret the same game differently based on their personal experiences set against differing club priorities. The methodology adopts a phenomenological approach, using ethnographic observation and semistructured
interviews to gather insights to the world of football scouting. The research also employs a first-person narrative, with the lead author reflecting on their experiences in the scouting world as they move from being an insider to an outsider to this otherwise private world. This dual perspective enriches the analysis, combining personal reflection with empirical data. The story called The Outsider demonstrates the acquired habitus of scouts and football personnel more generally, concerning the decisions scouts make about players as well as the loneliness of the faceless, nameless scout. The research concludes with the 10 Commandments of Scouting, derived from primary data, offering guidance on ‘how not to scout’. By blending theoretical insights with real-world experiences, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of football scouting and suggests strategies for improvement.