Tony Mowbray insists he is happy to sit out the 'long slog' aspect of Sunderland's data-driven recruitment process before entering at the decision-making stage. Head coach Mowbray is operating under a different recruitment structure on Wearside than he did at his previous clubs where, as manager, he had more control over signings.
At Sunderland, player signings are overseen by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey - who worked with Mowbray at Blackburn Rovers - supported by a team of analysts. Mowbray is involved in the initial stages when the areas to strengthen and the type of player to target are discussed, but then it is the recruitment department's job to identify potential signings and whittle them down to a shortlist before the head coach adds his input once more.
"Stuart Harvey is a friend of mine, and I worked with him for five years at Blackburn Rovers," said Mowbray. "I talk to Stuart all the time, but I'm sure there are lots of meetings that go on between the sporting director and Stuart, and the owner [Kyril Louis-Dreyfus] and Stuart.
