Diary of a Scout: A taste of the big time | OneFootball

Having seen a fair few non-league games and broadening my knowledge of that player market, I was getting the itch for something different. Watching video links of games was keeping me ticking over and with the January transfer window fast approaching, it was a busy time in the footballing world.

Scouting satisfaction

One of the matches I analysed via video link was another non-league match, but this time it was in the National League North. There was one defender that was catching my eye. He had great vision, his passing skills were silky for a centre-back and he topped it all off with the only goal of the game, as his header earned the team a 1-0 victory. There seemed to be a theme emerging of being attracted to defenders! But nevertheless I felt I needed to get a report written ASAP and alert the head of recruitment at Harrogate to this talented baller. I think they considered making a bid for him, but he actually left for a rival club in League 2 during that window. Although Harrogate didn’t sign him I took some satisfaction from the fact that someone else had also seen the positive traits of the player in question (who will remain nameless for now!)

More sacrifices

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s always a busy (and expensive!) time for us all. Being asked to go to games at short notice is part and parcel of this game and its not normally a problem at the weekend. Midweek after my day job is a different kettle of fish, but this was an opportunity to see the next generation of Premier League stars. We had friends round from Australia after two years of being away, but I quickly said hello when I got back from work and jumped back in the van to go and watch Brentford U21’s vs Bournemouth U21’s in their Professional Development League. A 100 mile round trip to Wheatsheaf Park in the cold and rain, but I felt like I had to go!

A glimpse into the future

I wasn’t in Brentford’s main stadium, but upon arrival you knew the standard was more professional. You could just feel it. There were stewards checking ID’s and a media team on hand for the west London side. The weather was doing its best to ruin the night, much like that time in Tonbridge, the rain came in sideways and it was bitterly cold. I’d been asked to watch a few players, but the quality on show from most of them was evident from the first whistle. This was another level. No disrespect to the players in the non-league matches, but these kids zipped around the pitch effortlessly. Most of their passes and touches came naturally and looked second nature to them. One of the players I was asked to keep tabs on is a hot prospect that lots of clubs are looking at. But I wasn’t sure about his attitude and application during this match and I can only report on what I see.

Looking beyond the hype

With the main player out of my sights, I turned my attention to some of the other bright performers I was watching. It’s not always the one everyone is talking about and a quick, intelligent right wing back was looking exciting. Brentford won the game convincingly 3-0 and I came away with a head bursting with knowledge. I just wanted to get back home as soon as I could and write my thoughts down while they were still fresh in the mind.

JP Scouting player in Focus: Isaac Holland

A very impressive performance, ran all night and had lots more space to run into in the second half. Most of the Brentford attacks came from down the right early on, this switched halfway through. However, the team generally had a good attacking balance on both wings.

He was a part of the move for the first goal and his all round game was positive apart from tackling. I didn’t see much of him challenging 50/50 balls, but in all fairness he didn’t need too much in this match. Very athletic, but could work on his physicality and strength. Would be interesting to watch him against better opposition and a more physical left-back/midfield.

Will need minutes in a competitive league soon having only made three appearances in the FA Youth Cup. Joined Brentford from Sheffield Wednesday U18’s back in August 2022, so he will be hoping to play in a first team soon. This will be difficult in the Premier League for a young player to breakthrough/get in a match day squad or on the bench, so a loan move could be ideal.