Sport Republic

[Matthew Le God]

5 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

No, you're wrong on this.

Strategy: We want to get to 'A', to get to 'A' we will play this style. To play this style, we need a manager with xyz credentials and skills. Recruiter, go find me that manager.

Recruiter: Finds shortlist with skills to match the strategy call and assists with interviews and final recommendations.

They are intertwined and can't have one without impacting the other. It is a recruitment strategy that led us to MartinBall.

[Maggie May]

Three games left and the summer to get through til the new season. It’s going to be a looooong couple of months.

[Weston Super Saint]

15 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

No, you're wrong on this.

Strategy: We want to get to 'A', to get to 'A' we will play this style. To play this style, we need a manager with xyz credentials and skills. Recruiter, go find me that manager.

Recruiter: Finds shortlist with skills to match the strategy call and assists with interviews and final recommendations.

He's changed my mind for sure. I'm convinced it's a recruitment strategy in the same way that deciding what sausages to have in the hot dogs is definitely a recruitment strategy - after all, you'll need to recruit someone to cook them.

Also, deciding how long the grass should grow is a recruitment strategy as someone will be recruited to cut it.

Literally, every strategy in the world is a recruitment strategy, absolutely must be.

It's not mad at all to think like that is it?

[Osvaldorama]

15 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

They are intertwined and can't have one without impacting the other. It is a recruitment strategy that led us to MartinBall.

Give up, you’ve lost. 
 

[saintant]

8 hours ago, Smirking_Saint said:

There’s nothing wrong with the multiclub model, its sensible, should long term improve talent acquisition and the ability to send players out for experience 

We’ve been relegated for a lot of reasons, but chief to them all is that SR’s scouting has been woeful, especially the ‘established’ player signings and managers

SR do not have the tools to run one club successfully so not sure why they thought they could make a go of a multi-club set up. Maybe learn to walk before trying to run.

[Matthew Le God]

5 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

Give up, you’ve lost. 
 

Bullshit. If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one. They are intertwined and it is not unreasonable to use a shorthand of recruitment as an overarching description. 

 

[tdmickey3]

1 minute ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bullshit. If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one. They are intertwined and it is not unreasonable to use a shorthand of recruitment as an overarching description. 

 

Do you argue black is white with a mirror?

[lambtiss]

42 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bullshit. If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one. They are intertwined and it is not unreasonable to use a shorthand of recruitment as an overarching 

So, according to you there is nothing wrong with Trump. He just suffers from bad recruitment.

 

[Weston Super Saint]

Just now, lambtiss said:

So, according to you there is nothing wrong with Trump. He just suffers from bad recruitment.

 

Technically, the whole US suffers from bad recruitment as they recruited him...

Adolf would never have lost if his recruitment strategy was just a little better.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

19 minutes ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Technically, the whole US suffers from bad recruitment as they recruited him...

Adolf would never have lost if his recruitment strategy was just a little better.

Can't wait for MLG's reaction when God's interview tape is leaked, and it turns out all the things he moans about in the universe are down to poor recruitment.

[BarberSaint]

2 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

They are intertwined and can't have one without impacting the other. It is a recruitment strategy that led us to MartinBall.

No, that was (W) Ankersen and he's crap.

[StrangelyBrown]

3 hours ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Bullshit.

That would be a strategy decision.

You would then recruit the right people to fulfil that strategy.

I'm my head the style of play should be more of a vision statement and the strategy might be to recruit people to fulfil the vision. The strategy could also be to grow our own talent.

On the other hand our vision might be to create a platform to grow and sell players. I'm which case the strategy might be to be led by someone someone who could bring out the best of players, but then the style of play would be irrelevant and could be a recruitment decision.

[manji]

3 hours ago, Maggie May said:

Three games left and the summer to get through til the new season. It’s going to be a looooong couple of months.

Plenty of time for the club to sort things out but a long time on here .

[manji]

1 hour ago, BarberSaint said:

No, that was (W) Ankersen and he's crap.

Enough with the childish scapegoating. It’s far more complicated than that.

[trousers]

7 minutes ago, manji said:

Plenty of time for the club to sort things out

Genuine question: what are the optimists seeing in Sport Republic which makes them believe that they can "sort things out" when the evidence of the last 3 years clearly suggests otherwise?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to share your optimism but my logical mind is steering me towards pessimism...

Edited May 1 by trousers

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

5 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bullshit. If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one. They are intertwined and it is not unreasonable to use a shorthand of recruitment as an overarching description. 

 

Did ChatGPT write that or something?..

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

Genuine question: what are the optimists seeing in Sport Republic which makes them believe that they can "sort things out" when the evidence of the last 3 years clearly suggests otherwise?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to share your optimism but my logical mind is steering me towards pessimism...

I think the common belief is that Spors supposedly is the saviour in waiting and that all good will emanate from his actions as soon as the season ends. His past achievements have been well documented, however it’s hardly nailed on that past success will translate to SFC. The logic of feeling unease and even pessimism lie in the huge mountain to be climbed to install a successful suitable manager and to turn the squad around into a unit that looks like it can score more goals than it concedes.

On the basis that we’ve not seen much of an impact due to Spors so far (excluding the sacking of Juric), I’m afraid I share your pessimism.

[manji]

3 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

I think the common belief is that Spors supposedly is the saviour in waiting and that all good will emanate from his actions as soon as the season ends. His past achievements have been well documented, however it’s hardly nailed on that past success will translate to SFC. The logic of feeling unease and even pessimism lie in the huge mountain to be climbed to install a successful suitable manager and to turn the squad around into a unit that looks like it can score more goals than it concedes.

On the basis that we’ve not seen much of an impact due to Spors so far (excluding the sacking of Juric), I’m afraid I share your pessimism.

Solak is aware he’s screwed up ( a lot of what I’ve been saying is "confirmed” in the article about in The Athletic April 10th) SR and Saints are an important part of his large comms empire. He’s even admitted that in interviews a while ago. 
He made the club his responsibility, a buck stops here mentality, previously as any boss of a big corp he’s delegated. No that doesn’t mean he makes specific football decisions. 
Spors appointed ages ago but initial contract signed straight after deadline day. Spors long been aware of his task he will have been planning for ages again he admitted he’d been keeping an eye on us. 
Hes under shit loads of pressure , auto promotion and have the basis of a team to compete in PL . It’s no worse than Wilcox naffing off the at beginning of season. We spent big this season with little obvious returns. 
We will spend big again but this time with a large amount of time to prepare. We have great fans I mean the ones that travel a good solid base.

why not be positive? The alternative of some takeover really disrupting things is unthinkable . 
Dont ask me to verify it’s all out there if you can be bothered. 

 

 

 

 

[St. Ciervo]

Solak spends $$$. We have had worse. He just needs a proper rudder. 

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

8 hours ago, manji said:

We will spend big again but this time with a large amount of time to prepare. We have great fans I mean the ones that travel a good solid base.

 

 

So you're saying the takeover reports isn't true?

Also the bit I've highlighted.

The majority of match going fans are currently giving this team a standing ovation.

They're not great fans, they're PART OF THE PROBLEM.

If there was some risk to the hierarchy of at least audible fan revolt they might think twice about some of the decisions they're making.

But no... Our lot are fucking clapping.

And I've done my bit as a match going fan.. Had a ST for over a decade but didn't bother renewing when covid stopped everyone going to games.

But it's been like that for years.

Even at the fans forums I used to go to..the most it got was a heckle and some bloke stood up to have a go and the mic runner moved on as soon as he began to shout.

But that was ONE guy in a room full of over 100. Everyone else just sat their nodding their fucking heads.

 

 

Edited May 2 by ApprenticeBillionaire

[Turkish]

14 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bullshit. If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one. They are intertwined and it is not unreasonable to use a shorthand of recruitment as an overarching description. 

 

 

[Saint86]

17 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

"If a club wants a specific style (e.g., possession-based, high pressing, counter-attacking), it often looks to hire a manager who has a proven record of delivering that style. Hiring a manager without considering their tactical identity creates a disconnect, you can’t expect a defensive-minded manager to produce attacking, free-flowing football just because the board says so. Therefore, choosing a manager is a recruitment decision and a strategic football decision rolled into one." 

MLG, I think most would agree with what you've said here, but for your own sake - maybe let this one go and stop biting? You don't have to be right all the time, its a football forum not a legal case 😉

 

Edited May 2 by Saint86

[trousers]

Ok... I'm going to try and turn my pessimism into optimism....

Given there's a huge amount resting on Spors' shoulders to effect the turnaround, please could someone post a brief summary of Spors' achievements to-date, to help convince me that he could be the saviour that he's being touted as. Cheers.

(Yes, I know any future 'success' won't be down to one man alone but, inevitably, Spors is going to be pivotal to any success nonetheless)

Edited May 2 by trousers

[Holmes_and_Watson]

28 minutes ago, trousers said:

Ok... I'm going to try and turn my pessimism into optimism....

Given there's a huge amount resting on Spors' shoulders to effect the turnaround, please could someone post a brief summary of Spors' achievements to-date, to help convince me that he could be the saviour that he's being touted as. Cheers.

(Yes, I know any future 'success' won't be down to one man alone but, inevitably, Spors is going to be pivotal to any success nonetheless)

Global Sporting Director with infamous multi club owners, 777.

Bad example? 🙂

[Matthew Le God]

Recruitment overhaul...

 

 

[Pamplemousse]

He's worked with Spors before at 777

And he's been at FM so maybe he'll be taking over your role as our official researcher MLG!

[CSA96]

Nikola Ladan, the new head of international scouting, is a Swede and ex-Genoa, so at least now we know Spors is inclined to hire people he's worked with before...

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Global Sporting Director with infamous multi club owners, 777.

Bad example? 🙂

I hate to go all MLG on you but that's just telling me where he's worked, rather than what his achievements were when he was there....

[Dark Munster]

2 hours ago, trousers said:

Ok... I'm going to try and turn my pessimism into optimism....

Given there's a huge amount resting on Spors' shoulders to effect the turnaround, please could someone post a brief summary of Spors' achievements to-date, to help convince me that he could be the saviour that he's being touted as. Cheers.

(Yes, I know any future 'success' won't be down to one man alone but, inevitably, Spors is going to be pivotal to any success nonetheless)

Well, he’s not Rasmus F**king Ankersen. Does that count?

[Turkish]

6 minutes ago, trousers said:

I hate to go all MLG on you but that's just telling me where he's worked, rather than what his achievements were when he was there....

looks about 16, Physics graduate in 2019 , used to be a software engineer. Lists his skills as football and soccer which is a worry

 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

19 minutes ago, trousers said:

I hate to go all MLG on you but that's just telling me where he's worked, rather than what his achievements were when he was there....

Well, he directed their sport...globally. Like it says on the tin. 🙂

Let's see...

Not an achievement, but ticks SR's up and coming box by not being old.

Worked at a high level in a multi club model.

The clubs involved all at a good level.

One of the clubs he's worked at had RB in the title. So, that gets a tick from all the other multi club groups that want to follow what they do.

Another club he worked with had strong links to Player Farm FC, or Chelsea as we call them.

Worked a lot with Ralph Ragnick, who is highly thought of presumably in places that don't follow man utd.

According to one site, reduces ages of squad, the wage bill for them, and hones multi club recruitment models. All of which SR are in love with.

All sorted of at that fluff level. The sites don's say if he got the coffee changed in the vending machines, or concrete examples. I guess we could look at the position of the clubs while he was there. But that might not reflect youth and recruitment that takes time to come through.

Definitely a SR vision he's aligned with. Rather than just paying the going rate to get where we need to be, to fill gaps in the side sort of appointment.

Edited May 2 by Holmes_and_Watson
sp

[Dman]

1 hour ago, CSA96 said:

Nikola Ladan, the new head of international scouting, is a Swede and ex-Genoa, so at least now we know Spors is inclined to hire people he's worked with before...

I wonder if he knows any ex-Genoa managers who play that rock and roll style.... 

[Badger]

The Genoa connection does give some concern as they signed Cornet after his time here came to an end. I wonder if anyone coming here would take responsibility for that signing, explain it, and swear a solemn oath not to do anything as stupid again.

On the other hand it amuses me that Cornet might have been Spors last act of defiance and vandalism there, signing him being a little like leaving a massive turd in the top drawer of the CEO/ or Head of Recruitments desk shortly before departing.

 

 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, CSA96 said:

Nikola Ladan, the new head of international scouting, is a Swede and ex-Genoa, so at least now we know Spors is inclined to hire people he's worked with before...

Seemed to do alright for a few years when we last had a Nikola (or Nicola) involved.  But is this one a bloke, Nikola, or not a bloke (whatever the correct label for 'not being a bloke' is this week)?

[ChristopheVAFC]

Does anyone have the full article please?

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/25133795.southampton-fc-appoint-assistant-technical-director-key-staff/

Thank

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

I'd like to remind those feeling "positive" about SportsRepublic that Mohamed Elyounoussi walks straight the F into this team right now.

[Miltonaggro]

3 hours ago, trousers said:

Ok... I'm going to try and turn my pessimism into optimism....

Given there's a huge amount resting on Spors' shoulders to effect the turnaround, please could someone post a brief summary of Spors' achievements to-date, to help convince me that he could be the saviour that he's being touted as. Cheers.

(Yes, I know any future 'success' won't be down to one man alone but, inevitably, Spors is going to be pivotal to any success nonetheless)

Able to judge the situation at a football club after only one half of football and communicate this non-verbally through a 1000 yard stare. Able to feign benign interest even if seated next to the boorish village idiot on a Waltzer. Such attributes make him invaluable at Saints. 

 

Edited May 2 by Miltonaggro

[Matthew Le God]

Promoting Andy Goldie from Southampton's academy director to 'director of group talent strategy' goes against the idea the group of three Sport Republic clubs is going to be broken up.

[qwertyell]

3 hours ago, ApprenticeBillionaire said:

I'd like to remind those feeling "positive" about SportsRepublic that Mohamed Elyounoussi walks straight the F into this team right now.

He's not walking. That's him at full pelt.

[LuckyNumber7]

4 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Does anyone have the full article please?

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/25133795.southampton-fc-appoint-assistant-technical-director-key-staff/

Thank

SAINTS have appointed an assistant technical director, among three key staff hires, as club chief Johannes Spors overhauls his leadership team.

 

Spors, formally titled group technical director, has been leading the club's football operations since he began working at Staplewood in February.

He has now appointed Elliott Stapley as Southampton's new assistant technical director, following Spors from his former role at 777 Group.

While Spors served as global director at 777 Group, Stapley worked initially as a data scientist and then as head of technical scouting and performance.

 

Based at Staplewood, Stapley, a former City Football Group student, will assist Spors in recruitment strategy and long-term squad development.

Nikola Ladan has agreed to join as the club’s new head of international scouting, joining from Genoa - one of the clubs in 777 Group's portfolio.

Ladan has worked as an international football scout at the Italian side since 2022, serving under Spors, who was the club's general manager.

The 32 year old Swede played over 100 matches in his native country's second division before retiring and taking up the role under Spors. 

As previously reported, Norwich City's assistant head of recruitment, Mariela Nisotaki has joined Saints as the head of group talent acquisition.

Based at Staplewood and a fully integrated member of the team, Nisotaki's role will focus on acquiring talent in the 16-21 age group.

Nisotaki was widely recognised as a key figure in successful transfers such as those of Emi Buendia and Gabriel Sara while at Carrow Road. 

In addition to the three arrivals, highly-rated Saints academy director Andy Goldie has been promoted to director of group talent strategy.

Academy director Andy Goldie has earned a promotion (Image: Southampton FC)

Goldie will report into Spors and oversee all aspects of talent development, talent management, and talent acquisitions across Sport Republic.

Southampton's academy manager, Duncan Fearnhead, and all other academy managers across the group's portfolio will report into Goldie.

Goldie is a 2025 recipient of England Football's Technical Director Diploma, officially graduating from the 20-month course earlier this week.

On the restructuring, Spors said: "This is an important first step in establishing a strong and aligned football structure at Southampton as we head into an important summer for the club.

“Andy’s new role and the additions of Elliott, Nikola, and Mariela strengthen our ability to develop and recruit top talent in a strategic and unified way. I look forward to seeing them all flourish in their new roles with us.”

[Wade Garrett]

17 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

SAINTS have appointed an assistant technical director, among three key staff hires, as club chief Johannes Spors overhauls his leadership team.

 

Spors, formally titled group technical director, has been leading the club's football operations since he began working at Staplewood in February.

He has now appointed Elliott Stapley as Southampton's new assistant technical director, following Spors from his former role at 777 Group.

While Spors served as global director at 777 Group, Stapley worked initially as a data scientist and then as head of technical scouting and performance.

 

Based at Staplewood, Stapley, a former City Football Group student, will assist Spors in recruitment strategy and long-term squad development.

Nikola Ladan has agreed to join as the club’s new head of international scouting, joining from Genoa - one of the clubs in 777 Group's portfolio.

Ladan has worked as an international football scout at the Italian side since 2022, serving under Spors, who was the club's general manager.

The 32 year old Swede played over 100 matches in his native country's second division before retiring and taking up the role under Spors. 

As previously reported, Norwich City's assistant head of recruitment, Mariela Nisotaki has joined Saints as the head of group talent acquisition.

Based at Staplewood and a fully integrated member of the team, Nisotaki's role will focus on acquiring talent in the 16-21 age group.

Nisotaki was widely recognised as a key figure in successful transfers such as those of Emi Buendia and Gabriel Sara while at Carrow Road. 

In addition to the three arrivals, highly-rated Saints academy director Andy Goldie has been promoted to director of group talent strategy.

Academy director Andy Goldie has earned a promotion (Image: Southampton FC)

Goldie will report into Spors and oversee all aspects of talent development, talent management, and talent acquisitions across Sport Republic.

Southampton's academy manager, Duncan Fearnhead, and all other academy managers across the group's portfolio will report into Goldie.

Goldie is a 2025 recipient of England Football's Technical Director Diploma, officially graduating from the 20-month course earlier this week.

On the restructuring, Spors said: "This is an important first step in establishing a strong and aligned football structure at Southampton as we head into an important summer for the club.

“Andy’s new role and the additions of Elliott, Nikola, and Mariela strengthen our ability to develop and recruit top talent in a strategic and unified way. I look forward to seeing them all flourish in their new roles with us.”

What a load of fucking bollocks.

[Chez]

25 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

 

Nisotaki was widely recognised as a key figure in successful transfers such as those of Emi Buendia and Gabriel Sara while at Carrow Road. 

Was she responsible for signing Gunn from us?

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

46 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

SAINTS have appointed an assistant technical director, among three key staff hires, as club chief Johannes Spors overhauls his leadership team.

 

Spors, formally titled group technical director, has been leading the club's football operations since he began working at Staplewood in February.

He has now appointed Elliott Stapley as Southampton's new assistant technical director, following Spors from his former role at 777 Group.

While Spors served as global director at 777 Group, Stapley worked initially as a data scientist and then as head of technical scouting and performance.

 

Based at Staplewood, Stapley, a former City Football Group student, will assist Spors in recruitment strategy and long-term squad development.

Nikola Ladan has agreed to join as the club’s new head of international scouting, joining from Genoa - one of the clubs in 777 Group's portfolio.

Ladan has worked as an international football scout at the Italian side since 2022, serving under Spors, who was the club's general manager.

The 32 year old Swede played over 100 matches in his native country's second division before retiring and taking up the role under Spors. 

As previously reported, Norwich City's assistant head of recruitment, Mariela Nisotaki has joined Saints as the head of group talent acquisition.

Based at Staplewood and a fully integrated member of the team, Nisotaki's role will focus on acquiring talent in the 16-21 age group.

Nisotaki was widely recognised as a key figure in successful transfers such as those of Emi Buendia and Gabriel Sara while at Carrow Road. 

In addition to the three arrivals, highly-rated Saints academy director Andy Goldie has been promoted to director of group talent strategy.

Academy director Andy Goldie has earned a promotion (Image: Southampton FC)

Goldie will report into Spors and oversee all aspects of talent development, talent management, and talent acquisitions across Sport Republic.

Southampton's academy manager, Duncan Fearnhead, and all other academy managers across the group's portfolio will report into Goldie.

Goldie is a 2025 recipient of England Football's Technical Director Diploma, officially graduating from the 20-month course earlier this week.

On the restructuring, Spors said: "This is an important first step in establishing a strong and aligned football structure at Southampton as we head into an important summer for the club.

“Andy’s new role and the additions of Elliott, Nikola, and Mariela strengthen our ability to develop and recruit top talent in a strategic and unified way. I look forward to seeing them all flourish in their new roles with us.”

Too many moving parts for me.

They're persisting with the City model.

We're not funded by fucking oil.

They're not even getting the basics right.

 

P.S is this the takeover plans the COT of whatever the fuck they're calling themselves were warning us about in the "dozens of threads"...

 

Ffs

Edited May 2 by ApprenticeBillionaire

[Nolan]

5 minutes ago, ApprenticeBillionaire said:

Too many moving parts for me.

They're persisting with the City model.

We're not funded by fucking oil.

They're not even getting the basics right.

It's mad isn't it. 

We had people who weren't used to a group model running recruitment things. 

Now we have people who are used to a club model running recruitment things. 

Why would they do these mad things in a group model?

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

14 minutes ago, Nolan said:

It's mad isn't it. 

We had people who weren't used to a group model running recruitment things. 

Now we have people who are used to a club model running recruitment things. 

Why would they do these mad things in a group model?

For how long?

WeRe NoT iN tHe pREmIEr lEaGuE nExT sEaSOn.

If we don't come up on at the first time of asking how long before Solak stops pouring money in and it all falls apart?

The rumors of a takeover and now all this shifting around smacks to me of Solak rolling the dice one last time.

I can't blame him either.

[Matthew Le God]

18 minutes ago, ApprenticeBillionaire said:

For how long?

WeRe NoT iN tHe pREmIEr lEaGuE nExT sEaSOn.

If we don't come up on at the first time of asking how long before Solak stops pouring money in and it all falls apart?

The rumors of a takeover and now all this shifting around smacks to me of Solak rolling the dice one last time.

I can't blame him either.

Would you prefer them to stick with the old recruitment setup? The one that failed badly.

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

7 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Would you prefer them to stick with the old recruitment setup? The one that failed badly.

I'd prefer them to sell up and fuck off quite frankly they've been an absolute disaster.

But time will tell. 🧑🏻‍🎄

[Saint Fan CaM]

3 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Would you prefer them to stick with the old recruitment setup? The one that failed badly.

Obviously not, but these appointments smell a little too much like jobs for mates, rather than hiring in the best available. Maybe they are the very best SFC can find???

[St. Ciervo]

11 hours ago, ApprenticeBillionaire said:

I'd like to remind those feeling "positive" about SportsRepublic that Mohamed Elyounoussi walks straight the F into this team right now.

F- me... That wiped my optimism right the hell out. You win. Mercy.

[ChristopheVAFC]

10 hours ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

SAINTS have appointed an assistant technical director, among three key staff hires, as club chief Johannes Spors overhauls his leadership team.

 

Spors, formally titled group technical director, has been leading the club's football operations since he began working at Staplewood in February.

He has now appointed Elliott Stapley as Southampton's new assistant technical director, following Spors from his former role at 777 Group.

While Spors served as global director at 777 Group, Stapley worked initially as a data scientist and then as head of technical scouting and performance.

 

Based at Staplewood, Stapley, a former City Football Group student, will assist Spors in recruitment strategy and long-term squad development.

Nikola Ladan has agreed to join as the club’s new head of international scouting, joining from Genoa - one of the clubs in 777 Group's portfolio.

Ladan has worked as an international football scout at the Italian side since 2022, serving under Spors, who was the club's general manager.

The 32 year old Swede played over 100 matches in his native country's second division before retiring and taking up the role under Spors. 

As previously reported, Norwich City's assistant head of recruitment, Mariela Nisotaki has joined Saints as the head of group talent acquisition.

Based at Staplewood and a fully integrated member of the team, Nisotaki's role will focus on acquiring talent in the 16-21 age group.

Nisotaki was widely recognised as a key figure in successful transfers such as those of Emi Buendia and Gabriel Sara while at Carrow Road. 

In addition to the three arrivals, highly-rated Saints academy director Andy Goldie has been promoted to director of group talent strategy.

Academy director Andy Goldie has earned a promotion (Image: Southampton FC)

Goldie will report into Spors and oversee all aspects of talent development, talent management, and talent acquisitions across Sport Republic.

Southampton's academy manager, Duncan Fearnhead, and all other academy managers across the group's portfolio will report into Goldie.

Goldie is a 2025 recipient of England Football's Technical Director Diploma, officially graduating from the 20-month course earlier this week.

On the restructuring, Spors said: "This is an important first step in establishing a strong and aligned football structure at Southampton as we head into an important summer for the club.

“Andy’s new role and the additions of Elliott, Nikola, and Mariela strengthen our ability to develop and recruit top talent in a strategic and unified way. I look forward to seeing them all flourish in their new roles with us.”

Many thanks to you, my friend!