Stoke City Football Club of the English Football League are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled First Team Performance Analyst, specialising in opposition analysis, to join the First Team Performance Analysis department. Based at our Clayton Wood Training Ground, this role is integral to how our first team prepares for every fixture, turning video and data on each opponent into clear, actionable intelligence for the coaching staff.
This is a specialist position dedicated to our opponents. The successful candidate will own the department's opposition analysis process - understanding how each opponent plays, where we can hurt them and where they can hurt us - and lead analyst-coach meetings ahead of every fixture, working closely with the coaching staff and our set-piece analyst. If you have a sharp tactical eye, can present with clarity and confidence, and thrive on tight turnarounds between fixtures, we would love to hear from you.
This is a full-time, permanent position. The role requires a flexible approach to working hours to align with the football calendar. Regular evening and weekend work is a requirement of the role, as is travelling to live scout upcoming opponents' fixtures.
Main Responsibilities
- Leading the department's opposition analysis process for every league and cup fixture, working directly with the coaching department.
- Analysing each opponent's tactical identity across all phases of play, including build-up, pressing triggers, defensive organisation, transitions and in-game changes.
- Producing coach-ready opposition reports and video presentations, and leading analyst-coach meetings that provide actionable intelligence on upcoming opponents.
- Identifying key opposition individuals and likely matchups, and supporting the production of individual opposition clips for players and the goalkeeping coach.
- Working with the set-piece analyst to integrate opposition set-piece routines, personnel and threats into the pre-match package.
- Building and maintaining an opposition database of formations, coaching tendencies and tactical trends, using video evidenced by event and tracking data.
- Travelling to and live scouting upcoming opponents' fixtures where applicable.
- Utilising the club's analysis platforms (Hudl Sportscode, Hudl Studio, Wyscout, Opta, etc.) to agreed standards.
- Maintaining analysis equipment and ensuring footage and data are stored securely in line with club policy.
- Undertaking any other duties reasonably requested by the Head of Performance Analysis or coaching department that are commensurate with the role.
Key Skills and Experience
- Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in Sports Coaching, Performance Analysis, or a closely related sports discipline.
- Minimum of three years' experience in a performance analysis role within a professional football environment (first team or academy).
- Experience producing opposition analysis and presenting it to coaches.
- Practical experience tagging and analysing full matches to tight turnarounds, and of live match analysis.
- Advanced proficiency in Hudl Sportscode and Hudl Studio, and confidence with Wyscout and Opta.
- Strong tactical understanding of the game, including game models, build-up structures, pressing systems, transitions and in-game tactical changes.
- Good knowledge of the Championship and wider EFL - its teams, head coaches and tactical trends.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to build trust with coaches and players.
- Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under time pressure.
- Master's degree in Performance Analysis, Sports Coaching, or a related discipline is desirable.
- UEFA B Licence or above (or working towards) is desirable.
- First team experience in the English Football League and experience leading a first team opposition analysis process are desirable.
- Experience of live scouting opposition fixtures is desirable.
- Full UK driving licence and eligibility to work in the UK are both essential.
This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and DBS checks at the appropriate level will be obtained prior to employment commencing.
To apply, please complete and return the application form and equality and diversity monitoring form to Human Resources, SCFC Jobs, bet365 Stadium, Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4EG or email to stokejobs@stokecityfc.com quoting ‘FTPAOA2310SCFCW’ in the subject line. Alternatively, email stokejobs@stokecityfc.com for an application form.
You may also wish to attach a copy of your CV to support your application.
Stoke City Football Club endorses the principle of Equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in the Club will be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.
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