Celtic have bolstered their scouting department with the addition of veteran talent-spotter David Pleat, who joins the club after his long association with Tottenham Hotspur ended last year.
The 80-year-old will use his vast experience to identify talent for the Scottish champions, working under Celtic’s head of football operations, Paul Tisdale.
Pleat’s appointment comes as a boost for Brendan Rodgers, who has been vocal about the need to strengthen the scouting network, particularly as Celtic compete in the Champions League and continue their domestic dominance.
The former Spurs manager brings decades of experience.
Pleat’s departure from Spurs last year highlighted the growing divide in football recruitment strategies.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy informed Pleat that his traditional scouting methods were being phased out in favour of a data-driven approach.
Speaking to the Telegraph at the time, Pleat revealed his disappointment at being let go but acknowledged the direction Spurs were heading.
“Daniel Levy called me in and said, ‘You know it’s all data-driven now, we don’t need eyes and ears,’” Pleat explained. “What a nonsense. I didn’t argue. He’s in charge.”
With Pleat now part of the team, Celtic hope to identify under-the-radar talents in England and beyond. His knowledge of the lower leagues in England, where he famously discovered Dele Alli playing for MK Dons, could be a significant asset.
It will be interesting to see how he fits in.
In the modern game, data is highly useful, but it doesn’t always tell the full story.