I was invited, along with a few others, to Barclays Transfer Watch, the official sponsor of the Premier League, off the back of the Barclays Scale-Up Programme.
I wasn’t part of the main discussion, but I was there to watch, listen, and network with some of the biggest names in football.
The event was hosted by Kelly Cates, Sky Sports presenter and daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. She led a panel featuring:
- Jermain Defoe – Ex-Premier League & England international
- Darren Bent – Ex-Premier League & England international
- Paul Barber OBE – Chief Executive, Brighton & Hove Albion
- David Ornstein – One of football’s most trusted journalists from The Athletic
The conversation covered everything from transfers, scouting, and club strategies, to the increasing role of data in football decision-making.
Planet Sport’s Place in the Industry
If you’re a media brand or a journalist, you need to be known by clubs, scouts, players, their families, and local communities. These relationships drive better collaboration, leading to better content. Well, that’s the aim.
The Role of Sports Data – Information Overload?
Sports data is everywhere, used by clubs, managers, scouts, betting companies, and the media. But here’s the thing: data is only as good as the person using it.
It’s not just about goals and assists. Data is now shaping everything from transfer decisions to player development. But it can also be overwhelming. Whether it’s a manager, a scout, or an owner, data needs to tell a story, not just spit out numbers.
Jermain Defoe – Next Up in Management?
Jermain Defoe had a top-level career and now wants to be seen alongside player-managers like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Robbie Savage, and Wayne Rooney. His ambition is obvious.
I had a quick chat with him, his passion for the game and coaching is clear. He’s already working at youth level with Tottenham, but he’s aiming for a bigger role. He’s especially focused on helping young players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We also touched on punditry and Robbie Savage’s “Diary of a Manager” on Football365, where he juggles being a club owner, manager, and pundit at Macclesfield. The conversation shifted to whether investing in a lower-league club was an option for Jermain. He was intrigued but still firmly focused on becoming a manager. With Sky Sports and BBC commentary roles lined up, I can only assume his real ambition is to manage at a higher level.
Attitude Over Ability – Why Some Players & Managers Get Ignored
This came up a lot. Talent is important, but attitude is the real deal-breaker.
During networking, some guests were convinced no Championship club would take a chance on Wayne Rooney. Not because he’s not good enough, but because of the distractions off the pitch.
The same logic applies to players. Clubs don’t just look at talent anymore, they look at character and professionalism. Are you a maverick or a reliable team player? Clubs do their own version of “Spygate” on players before signing them, watching everything from social media activity to personal habits. If you’re about to drop millions on a player, you need to know what you’re getting.
How Clubs Support Players Off the Pitch
One thing I found interesting is that clubs are much better at looking after players now, according to Paul Barber OBE – Chief Executive, Brighton & Hove Albion.
When players move, clubs help sort hotels, housing, and even schools for their kids. Settling in quickly makes a big difference, and clubs know that.
The January Transfer Window – Players Hate It
Another common opinion is that players don’t like moving in January.
Both Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent said they preferred to finish a season rather than move mid-season. It disrupts everything. Makes sense when you think about it, would you want to switch teams right in the middle of a job?
