Arsenal are seeking a new scout to cover Italy and Switzerland.
Arsenal might have the Swiss captain in their side but under Arsene Wenger the club rarely went shopping in Italy, at least not for Italians.
That might be about to change. In fact, over Wenger summers we could almost discount out of hand any rumour linking us with an Italian player in Italy, so unlikely were the club to sign a player from there.
But with Unai Emery & co.’s arrival at the Emirates, things have changed. We’re back shopping in the South American market too.
I might be a bit harsh on Wenger, to be fair. Arsenal hardly have a history of signing Italian players before his arrival, in fact, he signed every one we’ve ever had at the club. All three of them – Arturo Lupoli, Vito Mannone and Emiliano Viviano.
Of course, it’s not just Italians who play in Italy but for a country that provides such a wealth of talent on a regular basis it is odd we’ve only ever signed three Italians.
To compare, we’ve also signed three Japanese players (Inamoto, Asano, Miyaichi).
We’ve also signed 30 French players, 19 Spanish, 10 Swiss, 5 Portuguese, 7 Dutch, 1 Belgian, 10 Brazilians, 3 Argentines, and 1 Colombian, amongst many other nationalities. English is, of course, the most dominant nationality with 305. Scotland 48, Wales 24, Northern Ireland 24, and the Republic of Ireland 23.
The club advertised for the position on their official jobs site.
Details of the job are as follows:
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The First Team Scouting Department’s mission is to identify and help assist in the recruitment of talented and suitable players for the First Team of Arsenal Football Club.
JOB PURPOSE
To assist the Head of International Scouting with the identifying, sourcing and monitoring at senior professional and development level men’s football.
To make recommendations for the potential recruitment of these players in view of their eventual suitability for the first team of Arsenal FC.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify and recommend both promising talented development level players and established senior players for the first team of Arsenal FC.
Provide accurate and detailed scouting reports to the Heads of Scouting as required, in the agreed club format and within deadlines.
Communicate and liaise with the Heads of Scouting regularly with regards to scouted and recommended players, highlighting future potential against development framework for existing players.
Collate relevant information and share it with the scouting team.
Work with colleagues, ensuring the team functions together smoothly, efficiently and effectively.
Adhere to the Player Approach Recruitment Protocol at all times when speaking to parents and managers of players identified.
Represent Arsenal FC professionally and in line with club ethos.
Attend Talent Identification Training, Meetings and Presentations as and when required.
Maintain a high level of individual performance at all times.
Keep progressing the department to reach high levels at all times.
Develop and maintain good relationships and links with the leagues, Managers, tournaments and other clubs in their areas.
Work with relevant stakeholders at the club to provide the best care and after care for players they identify.
Ensure a smooth induction.
MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Education/Qualifications/Training/Location:
Educated to a good standard of numeracy and literacy.
Must have a full clean driving licence and own vehicle.
A valid passport.
Must reside within easy access/transport links to Rome, Milan or Turin.
Specific Experience:
Demonstrable and proven experience working within elite / first team level scouting department of a professional football club, or equivalent industry experience (essential).
Extensive knowledge of the football industry both nationally and internationally at first team level and have a solid network of contacts (essential).
Experience of first team coaching/managing (advantageous).
Playing or coaching experience at professional level (advantageous).
Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:
Must be available to attend matches and monitor players within the prescribed regions at the request of the Heads of Scouting.
Fluent in English and Italian (both languages essential).
Must be available at weekends.
Must be familiar with using online recruitment software and other similar assessment tools.
Must be able to compile reports on players and write in-depth assessments as required.
Excellent organisational qualities – must have the ability to prioritise workload.
Must have an extensive knowledge and experience of the football industry and the rules and regulations governing players and recruitment within it.
Excellent IT skills – must be familiar with Word & Excel.
Able to work in a team environment with good motivational skills.
The ability to work in a team environment with all other First Team Scouting and Analyst staff.
Must be a consistent team performer.
Able to manage resources and information.
A proactive approach within agreed boundaries.
Must have the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Must be a trustworthy individual: confidentiality is a major part of working within the recruitment industry and must have the skillset to adhere to all internal and external codes of conduct.
Must have exceptional interpersonal skills.
Must have a professional attitude at all times to ensure FA & Premier League guidelines and regulations are adhered to.
The closing date for applications is 16 June 2019 so you still have time to get yours in if you fancy it.
Arsenal coach, Steven Frase, believes it would ideally suit someone living in Rome or Milan:
Ottima opportunità per un 1 ° team scout che vive a Roma o Milano https://t.co/jJjLKuaB4r
— Steven Fraser (@soccersteve) June 11, 2019