We sometimes evva post or two abart how are players are identified and brought in. In response to a question in a Radio Sheffield interview our CEO, Goat Hair, has detailed how it works----

Stage 1. The Head Coach "builds a technical profile proposition". In other words the HC tells Goat Hair the TYPE of player he would like, the position and the skills/attributes he should have. He does not name an actual player, just the kind he wants.

Stage 2. "We identify targets through data". Presumably this is where the Spreadsheet comes in to pick out players matching the criteria from Stage 1, age, height,appearances,goals,assists, distance run, touches etc. "A list of around 10 players per position are identified"

Stage 3 "I (Goat Hair) work financially on who is possible". Presumably within budget set by owners, wage structure and FFP Rules. Potential sell on value will be a factor.

Stage 4 "The list of ten is reduced to three to present to the Head Coach".

Stage 5 "Discussion with Head Coach to try to get a preference order". Not stated by Goat Hair what happens if HC doesn't fancy any of the three.

Stage 6 "We try to get first preference, if unsuccessful the second and so on"

So now we know. A long way removed from the old school of "Here is your budget Mr Manager. Get your own players in and live and die by your choices".