Hearts have officially struck a deal with the analytics firm behind English Premier League outfit Brighton’s success.
It emerged in September that the Gorgie club were looking to form a tie-up with Jamestown Analytics and were in talks with British entrepreneur Tony Bloom over a £10million deal. Now Hearts have confirmed the move, which Tynecastle supremo Andrew McKinlay said he believed could make them title contenders. The partnership sees Hearts become exclusive users of Jamestown Analytics’ player data analytics services in Scotland.
Clubs that are clients of Jamestown Analytics have enjoyed remarkable success. In addition to relationships with Brighton & Hove Albion, Belgian outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Como are among a number of Jamestown Analytics client clubs.
New Sporting Director Graeme Jones starts his position next week and will lead on the football department’s integration of analytics into its work, which will aid not only the club’s player recruitment but will also enhance opposition analysis.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, chief executive officer Andrew McKinlay said: “There has been a lot of speculation about the coming together of Heart of Midlothian and Jamestown Analytics, so I am pleased that we are now able to officially announce our partnership and get the facts out in the open.
“Jamestown Analytics’ reputation in footballing circles is second to none. It is no understatement when I say that they have made groundbreaking progress with clubs across Europe, so to be Scotland’s sole beneficiaries of their expertise is truly exciting.
“Already our football staff, soon to be under the guidance of Graeme, have been working with the data provided by Jamestown Analytics to plan for recruitment in January, next summer and beyond.
“I fully believe that the club will reap the benefits of embracing this modern, innovative approach to analytics and we couldn’t be prouder to be associated with Jamestown Analytics as we take Hearts into a new era.”
Justin Said, managing director of Jamestown Analytics, said: “We are very selective about the clubs we want to work with, and we feel that Hearts is a good fit.We are looking forward to working with Graeme and his team and, hopefully, help them to deliver success.”
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