Diary of a Scout: April scouting showers | OneFootball

Back to the big time

One thing that you get told in the scouting game is to network and make connections. This can be difficult in person at times and much easier online. However, I feel talking in person is better than constantly being behind a screen and I was pleased that I reached out to one of the FA course organisers for help.

Up the Albion

The aforementioned course organiser also happens to be a scout for Brighton and Hove Albion. He was happy to organise a ticket for me to attend an under 21 game at their performance centre at the beginning of April. It was a stark reminder of how professional Premier League clubs operate compared to non-league ones. Upon arrival I was told I wasn’t allowed to take photos (they must’ve seen me get a couple already!). I also had to sign in and get a security pass, etc. After entering what felt like an MI5 building, we walked to the pitch for this Premier League 2 encounter, which was against the mighty Liverpool.

Warm-ups at Brighton and Hove Albion. Credit: author.

Skilful Seagulls

The way Brighton pressed and went forward was very similar to their first team. They took an early lead and made it 2-0 in the 2nd half through the highly rated Harry Howell. One great thing about these matches is that you sit among other scouts and you can listen in to their conversations. There were a number of old school guys sitting around me and were not shy with their opinions. You can’t let this distract your attention away from the action, but it’s very interesting listening. One thing they mentioned is how Howell has a temper on him and I certainly noticed that!

Player knowledge

Liverpool may have ended up losing this game 2-1, but their goalscorer came off the bench and looked impressive. At 6ft 2in and 21 years old, James Balagizi will be hoping that his career takes off soon. He certainly made the effort coming on as a substitute in this match, but it’s just so difficult for these young lads to break through. He’s represented England at every age group from under 16, so I wish him all the best. As with many players I who catch my eye at these games, I will be keeping tabs on Balagizi’s progress. The way I figure, writing reports on any promising player, checking their stats and building a player database will only be a positive going forward.

From Brighton to Brentford

The nature of scouting and a lot of other things in life tends to see things happen in quick succession. Much like London buses, you wait an age for one then a convoy of them turn up at your stop. It was the same with live matches in April, as I was asked to travel up to the Gtech Community Stadium to watch Brentford U21’s vs Sheffield Wednesday U21’s only a week later. It’s always difficult on a week night, but I drove into London after work and had one of the best seats in the house. In terms of networking I always find it strange that people don’t seem to want to talk to you pre-match and the atmosphere tends to be a little cagey.

Loans manager or cockney salesman?

The match itself was very entertaining. I had seen the young Bees earlier on in the season and I was excited to see this talented bunch in action again. I have no idea how Sheffield Wednesday managed to get a draw after an onslaught of attacks from Brentford, especially in the first half. But it ended one a piece, with one of the players I was keeping tabs on getting on the scoresheet.

Before kick off the Brentford Loans Manager introduced himself to me. With slicked back hair and acting like a London wide boy, he kept talking up the eventual Brentford goalscorer. I could then hear him saying the exact same things to another scout at half time. Making this striker sound like a world beater and going a bit over the top. He reminded me of a younger Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses… a salesman who promises you the world. It just made me question his true intentions. Did he have the players best interests at heart, or was he just trying to get him out on loan at any opportunity? This was my first experience with someone in this position, so it will be interesting to see what other Loans Lanagers are like at other clubs.

M25 woes

As I’ve already mentioned before, you’ve got to be committed to travel and put in the hours to be a football scout. This occasion was no different. Having already driven an hour and a half and paid the ridiculous £12.50 ULEZ fee, I was hoping the drive home would be as smooth as possible.

After a quick McDonalds pit stop everything was looking good until the traffic slowed down. The M25 was shut and every vehicle was being rerouted. I couldn’t believe it, was it an accident, road works? Whatever it was I sat in standstill traffic for what felt like eternity, before slowly exiting the motorway on a different route home. I can’t even remember what time I got in, but it was straight to bed and up early in the morning for my day job. The player report had to wait until the next day and yet again I was doubting my reasons for doing this crazy thing. It didn’t stop me though and it was back to non-league action at Easter.

JP Scouting player in Focus: Iwan Morgan

It was a steady and decent display from Morgan in a dominant team display. He tired in the 2nd half and was less effective, with no efforts on goal in the second 45 minutes.

Brentford will be kicking themselves that they didn’t win the game, but need to take their chances and Morgan himself should’ve done better with a 1st half header and had another shot, which lacked power, turned around the post. He also had a couple of blocked shots in the 1st half.

He showed a good understanding and link-up play with attacking midfielder Romelle Donovan, who looked dangerous going forward and is on loan from Birmingham City.

The Welshman joined Brentford in the summer of 2023 after an impressive spell at Swansea City. With their under 18’s he made a name for himself scoring 28 goals in one season, including four hat-tricks. This earned him a spot in the under 21’s and an international call up to the Wales Under 17 squad for their European Championships. He has since played for the U18’s and U19’s for his country.

Preview Diary of a Scout Stories

Part Seven: Hindsight SatisfactionPart Six: New Year; Same GoalsPart Five: A Taste of the Big TimePart Four: Home Sweet Home