Bolton Wanderers can now confirm the structural changes within a newly structured analysis and recruitment department led by Head of Analytical Development Brian Prestidge.
Brian’s role is to work closely with each member of the football department identifying best practice through the collection, analysing and visualisation of data to inform decision making both on and off the field.
A new member brought in to the team from Everton this summer is Head of Technical Recruitment James Bell-Walker.
James’ role within the club is to co-ordinate the scouting network, ensuring that we make best use of our resources and identify key target markets when it comes to player recruitment. James will work closely alongside Chief Scout David Sclanders. David arrived at the club last season and is the key assessor of potential new signings. David brings a vast knowledge of players across the UK and Europe and is adept in identifying individuals with greater potential then currently on show.
Lee Sargeson moves into the role of U21 Technical scout, working in a similar role to James’ in the first team but with the sole purpose of identifying players to be brought in to the development squad.
Vincent North comes in as Performance Analyst. He will work closely alongside the manager and his coaching team with the remit of formulating a winning game plan on a match-by-match basis and evaluating match day performance.
John Warhurst moves in to the role of U21 Performance Analyst, working with Jamie Fullarton to aid the progression of individuals within the Development squad with the aim of bringing more players in to the Bolton Wanderers first team. John will be closely supported by U18s Performance Analyst Gareth Chappell.
This advanced analytical approach sits alongside the club’s new scientific approach towards performance development and will be a key driving force in the decision-making process, supporting the manager and his team with strategic and objective information.