Back in 2021, I wrote my very first football article — a scout report on Jamal Musiala. Honestly, I’m not sure what sparked the urge to start writing, but I did. Well, actually, I got talking to a recruitment analyst who encouraged me to start writing. We’ve never really spoken about why he did that, I feel like he could see what I wanted to do but perhaps lacked the confidence to take a leap of faith. His belief in me was the boost that I needed.
I’ll always be grateful, he taught me so much about scouting, recruitment and writing. From how to structure a report to what to look out for on the pitch and just general encouragement and pointing me in the right direction.
Anyway, I have digressed (apologies), after working on the Musiala report for two days, I was so nervous about publishing it on Twitter. I still remember the rush when RDF Tactics retweeted it and encouraged people to check it out. That was a huge boost for me.
Since that first report on Musiala, I’ve become a regular contributor for Breaking The Lines and Total Football Analysis, written for magazines like Futbolista, and worked as a scout for three professional football clubs. Now that three years have flown by, I thought it would be a good time to reflect and share some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Of course, I am still learning and growing in this field — after all, I’m only three years in. But I think now is a good time to check in and reflect on some of the key lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
Here’s what I’ve found:
Don’t Use The Word ‘Aspiring’
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, thanks to one of my favourite writers, Carl Anka, is the importance of owning your title. Calling yourself an “aspiring” scout, analyst, or writer might seem humble, but it can actually come across as a lack of confidence. It suggests that you’re not sure of your abilities yet and might still be waiting for someone else to validate your skills.
Here’s the thing: if you’re doing the work, you’re already a scout, analyst, or writer. By dropping the “aspiring”, it shows that you believe in what you bring to the table. It also makes it easier for others to see you as a professional in your field. Confidence is key in this industry, and that starts with how you talk about yourself.
Constructive Criticism is Your Friend
Early on, it’s incredibly easy to take criticism personally, especially when you’re passionate about your work. However, I’ve come to see that constructive criticism is one of the most valuable tools for improvement. Whether it’s feedback from a colleague, a fellow writer, or even your readers, listening to different perspectives can help you see your blind spots and refine your work.
The key is to differentiate between helpful feedback and noise. Embracing constructive criticism with an open mind can accelerate your growth and make your work stronger. It’s about learning to view feedback as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Plus, reaching out to people (in the right way) allows you to build a network of contacts. These are the relationships that can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Football, like many industries, is very much about ‘who you know’.
It’s not just about connecting with big names though; networking is about forming genuine connections with people at all levels of the game. Sharing insights, helping others, and being part of the community can lead to unexpected opportunities. Plus, it’s a lot easier to break into the industry when you’ve got people rooting for you.
I’m not the most confident of people so I understand, reaching out to people in the industry can be a bit scary. Trust me, the majority of people are lovely and will provide you with some useful feedback, at worst they will just ignore your message.
Consistency Beats Talent
In football, as in writing or analysis, talent can only take you so far. The real game-changer is consistency. Whether it’s publishing articles regularly, scouting players week in and week out, or constantly refining your analysis, showing up and putting in the work every day is what sets you apart.
The thing about consistency is that it builds trust and shows that you’re serious about what you do. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results, but sticking with it — especially when it’s tough — makes all the difference in the long run.
Take a Break
Now, this may sound slightly contradictory to the previous point but, I’ve also learned that taking a break can be just as important in refining your work. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, pushing yourself to produce more and more, especially when scrolling through social media. It’s important to recognise that this can lead to burnout and result in a drop in the quality of your work. Sometimes, stepping back allows you to gain perspective, recharge, and return with fresh ideas.
When you take a break, whether it’s a day off or a longer hiatus, you give your mind the space it needs to process what you’ve been working on. This downtime can spark creativity and help you see things you might have missed before. It’s in these moments of rest that you can really evaluate what’s working and what isn’t, allowing you to come back stronger and more focused.
So, while consistency is key to building momentum and trust, knowing when to pause and regroup is essential for long-term success. It’s about finding that balance — being persistent and reliable, but also recognising when a break will help you refine your craft and ultimately produce better work.
Adaptability is Crucial
Football is a fast-paced industry, and things can change in an instant — whether it’s a last-minute transfer, a tactical shift, or a new trend in analysis. I’ve learned that being adaptable is essential.
You need to be ready to pivot, learn new tools, or adjust your approach when the situation demands it. Sticking rigidly to one method or perspective can limit your growth.
The most successful people in the industry are those who can quickly adapt to new challenges and keep up with the ever-evolving nature of the game. Being open to change and willing to step out of your comfort zone is key to staying relevant and effective.
As I look back on these three years, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come and grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey. While I’m still learning and evolving in this field, reflecting on these lessons has been incredibly valuable.
Personal and professional growth is a continuous process and I’m excited to keep pushing myself, embracing new challenges, and seeing where this journey will take me next.
Here’s to many more lessons and adventures ahead!
