Jason’s latest Guardian article

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Also Buckley worked astonishingly hard at identifying who he brought in. Too hard perhaps. I’d imagine he’d be a supporter of the more modern way of doing things as he was an absolute student of the game.

I remember Artell mentioning in one of his interviews the other month that Buckley had popped in when walking the dog and joined in with the coaching staff who were discussing plans for a game!

I admired Clough and his approach as much as anyone. But it was finished and obsolete by 1991.

Like it or not (and for the record, I don't), the game has changed immeasurably. Either evolve or become extinct. Simple as that.  

In the latter half of next season I would like to see some of the excellent youth players given a few games.  If they are considered ready for a big step-up.

Quoted from Maringer

I remember Artell mentioning in one of his interviews the other month that Buckley had popped in when walking the dog and joined in with the coaching staff who were discussing plans for a game!

I heard that too and it made me feel all warm inside.

The one thing that can completely nullify the data approach is still our location, and if an identified player wants to come here. Let’s say we want a central midfielder, under the age of 26, who averages over 80 passes per game, with a pass completion rate of over 85%, with over 50% of those passes being forward. We might be able to identify 5 players who fit those criteria, but they might not be available, or if they are, they will also be wanted by other, possibly more attractive clubs who are looking down the data route, they might be based in the south and might not want to come to Grimsby, and so we’re left looking down the list, and end up recruiting players that don’t quite fit the criteria and we force a style of football on them that doesn’t suit them.

I’m a huge fan of JS and AP, but he’s very much nailing his colours to the mast here, we have to get this transfer window right, otherwise these methods will be questioned.

Quoted from Chrisblor

I saw your comment in the Guardian and had a wry smile I must admit!

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Also Buckley worked astonishingly hard at identifying who he brought in. Too hard perhaps. I’d imagine he’d be a supporter of the more modern way of doing things as he was an absolute student of the game.

100% agree with this.
Buckley and almost every succesful manager has built teams using their knowledge and expertise in identifying the right player for the role in the team which they had in mind, these days it is called a data lead approach.
Jason talked of ingredients and recipes, but a much simpler analogy which would have been applicable to Buckley and Clough and still stands up today, is that you cant fit a square peg in a round hole.

I reckon Buckley would have loved the data. It would have suited the meticulous nature of his personality.

I think Buckley and Clough used the data approach, but it was all in their heads and not on a laptop. Buckley in particular had a detailed knowledge of conference players when he came here and used it to good effect to sign players that everyone else where saying "who?" He didn't do too badly did he?