McDermott: "We don't have a chief scout" shocker
To Ell And Back 29/10/13
Brian McDermott admitted today that we have no such thing as a chief scout or a scouting system per se.
On Monday night, McDermott was asked about the Elland Road scouting system on television and replied: ‘That’s an interesting subject at Leeds, because we certainly need to improve what we’ve got.
‘I wouldn’t say we have a scouting structure per se. We are just in the process of getting a chief scout who is going to put together a scouting programme, which I’ll do with him.
‘A club as big as Leeds, what is absolutely fundamental for me is scouting and recruitment and that wasn’t in place in my opinion.
‘It makes no sense whatsoever. Whatever you have to do, you have to put money into your scouting. It can make you fortunes.’
In the summer, the club dispensed with the services of Gwyn Williams (pictured) who assumed the role of Technical Director and his claim to fame was successfully finding Luciano Becchio. However McDermott's predecessor Neil Warnock admitted he was uncertain what Williams' exact remit was but he suspected he was former chairman Ken Bates' "eyes and ears on the ground" -Mr Williams was a loyal stalwart of Bates from his Chelsea days.
It does seem shocking that a club of our size has neglected a role and system which used to be a common part of a club network we took for granted. Maybe the department was a victim of the cut-backs under the old regime and Ken ploughed the scouting money into employing a concierge to compliment his magnificent East Stand rebuilding?
However it looks like the matter is high on the agenda for discussion with the present Leeds board and hopefully Brian, who knows the job spec inside put from his time at Reading, can add to his staff...but if he wants to try out an enthusiastic rookie who's watched 1000's of games at all levels and would happily give up the day job to fly round the world (expenses paid) for the sake of Leeds United then give me a call Bri!
Brian McDermott admitted today that we have no such thing as a chief scout or a scouting system per se.
On Monday night, McDermott was asked about the Elland Road scouting system on television and replied: ‘That’s an interesting subject at Leeds, because we certainly need to improve what we’ve got.
‘I wouldn’t say we have a scouting structure per se. We are just in the process of getting a chief scout who is going to put together a scouting programme, which I’ll do with him.
‘A club as big as Leeds, what is absolutely fundamental for me is scouting and recruitment and that wasn’t in place in my opinion.
‘It makes no sense whatsoever. Whatever you have to do, you have to put money into your scouting. It can make you fortunes.’
In the summer, the club dispensed with the services of Gwyn Williams (pictured) who assumed the role of Technical Director and his claim to fame was successfully finding Luciano Becchio. However McDermott's predecessor Neil Warnock admitted he was uncertain what Williams' exact remit was but he suspected he was former chairman Ken Bates' "eyes and ears on the ground" -Mr Williams was a loyal stalwart of Bates from his Chelsea days.
It does seem shocking that a club of our size has neglected a role and system which used to be a common part of a club network we took for granted. Maybe the department was a victim of the cut-backs under the old regime and Ken ploughed the scouting money into employing a concierge to compliment his magnificent East Stand rebuilding?
However it looks like the matter is high on the agenda for discussion with the present Leeds board and hopefully Brian, who knows the job spec inside put from his time at Reading, can add to his staff...but if he wants to try out an enthusiastic rookie who's watched 1000's of games at all levels and would happily give up the day job to fly round the world (expenses paid) for the sake of Leeds United then give me a call Bri!
