Crunching the numbers! New head of data and research to guide Saints’ hunt for football talent

Joe Ferrelly has been brought on as head of data and research at Sport Republic, owners of Southampton FC.

The role will see Joe guiding the club’s acquisition of first-team players using advanced data models, as well as influencing their decision-making process for scouting, coaching, and player development.

He joins Sport Republic after a four-year stint as data analyst at Everton FC, before which he also worked with Huddersfield Town FC and graze.com.

Joe said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton, and I’ve learned so much from my experiences there and getting to work with a lot of very hard-working and talented people.

“I’m really excited to start my new role, working with an outstanding team and helping with decision-making across all clubs in the group using data analytics.”

After all, it isn’t just Saints set to benefit from Joe’s expertise – Sport Republic also has a controlling stake in Turkish club Göztepe, with its executives currently in talks to buy Valenciennes from the French Ligue 2.

Having started off their portfolio in January 2022 with the purchase of Southampton FC, the business is looking to replicate the multi-club model of Manchester City owners City Football Group.