The Jamestown analytics secrets Hearts have access to as Como rise offers glimpse of life under Neil Critchley
The company’s operations are hidden from public view, but they hope to go beyondBeglium, Tynecastle, and Brighton
Hearts may have a point with Jamestown analytics based on the scant evidence that is currently available.
After Neil Critchley led the Tynecastle club to their first league victory of the season, a 4-0 victory over St. Mirren, on his dugout debut, the doubters were at least temporarily silenced. The company had assisted in identifying Critchley as the man the Jambos should select to succeed Steven Naismith. That it was followed by city rivals Hibs after their thrilling stoppage time collapse at Tannadice only made it sweeter.
Of course, Jamestown’s techniques and the algorithm will truly be put to the test when time permits. Hearts are still in negotiations with Tony Bloom, the owner of Brighton, and they intend to use it moving forward when they bring in new players for Critchley. Bloom is their largest client, however he neither owns nor manages the business. It is a spin-off of the Starlizard gaming consultancy. And they are still a mystery.
The company is led by managing director Justin Said, whose reticent stance about disclosing the specifics of their work demonstrates how much they think they can give clubs an advantage over other talent identification services.
“I think we have the best product out there, so it’s important that the integrity of our data and what we do is upheld,” he told the Sunday Times. “It’s very hard to quantify [how far ahead we are of the competition].”
It is our unique data. I’m not allowed to discuss algorithms or how they are formed at this time. However, once it reaches us, we meticulously customise and improve it for each club, so theoretically, it should only benefit them. Additionally, we are picky about the clubs we wish to collaborate with.
Before the 2024–2025 season ends, Jamestown hopes to add four additional clubs to their roster. Furthermore, it might alter how clubs are managed going forward if Castellon is any indication. The Spanish don’t have scouts or even a sporting director on staff.
From their perspective, it operates as follows, according to Como director Mirwan Suwarso: “They will say, ‘Here are 10 guys who would be in the top 30% of your league.'” Next, we begin examining each one in more detail to attempt and determine why. The process of making the banger is not shown to us. Although it’s a leap of faith, anything they advise is usually an excellent idea.
“I would argue that out of the eight players we signed in January of last season, two are duds. I believe we have signed 16 players so far this season, and we haven’t had a bust. Using them makes perfect sense. In the long term, it helps you turn a profit and prevents financial waste.
Jamestown operates under the premise that a player’s statistics grow more trustworthy following 3000 minutes of play. Jamestown customers have an advantage over their rivals, particularly when it comes to younger players, thanks to their ability to assess data on tat rough threshold. Suwarso went on, “Everyone is under pressure to step up their recruitment efforts. You need to look farther since it won’t be long until an effective player is found.”
But Surwaso cautions against taking the data at their value: “They remain human beings.” Even if a player is in the top 20%, does that mean he’s a d***? Could he destroy the rapport? All of those things remain crucial. It’s possible that a midfielder is giving Dave his whole shit.
