Celtic have taken a modern step forward in football recruitment with the integration of analytics, led by the appointment of Paul Tisdale as head of football operations.
Tisdale, often referred to as a “football doctor,” brings a focus on data-driven decision-making to his role, which includes overseeing the club’s scouting and player signings. This move reflects a broader trend in football, where clubs are increasingly turning to digital tools and data to enhance their recruitment strategies.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has welcomed Tisdale’s expertise but is clear that analytics will inform, rather than dictate, Celtic’s approach to recruitment.
Speaking about the growing use of data in transfers, Rodgers stated, “It just depends on what your take on it is,” he told Celtic TV.
“For me, it’s very much that I’m informed by data, but I wouldn’t be driven by it.
“We can get lots of information, lots of data on certain things now.
“Paul has said it was purely more on the actual performance of a player who would fit into our model and whether that player fits closely.
“He can bring the football analytical stuff to that, as well as overseeing that recruitment process.
“It’s definitely a big part of football now, but it’s how you use it which is important.
“We know where we’re at, in terms of what we want to do in the next window.
“We’ve done a lot of great work during the summer in improving the squad.
“The preparation is well under way to see what we can do for January to improve.”
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Tisdale’s influence is expected to be pivotal in identifying players who can enhance the squad. While Celtic made some big signings in the summer window, breaking their transfer record twice, Rodgers confirmed that preparations are already underway for the next window, with the aim of further improving the team.
It will be interesting to see what way the Celtic recruitment goes. Will new markets be explored or will they refine where they’re currently looking? January might not reap the rewards, but forthcoming windows may.
