Andy Watson - GBE/ESC Expert
@andywatsonsport.bsky.social
Usually working on football data or research. Ask me anything on GBE in football. Enjoy all sports, especially athletics & tennis.
"It is not easy to come over to League One, play 46 games, all kinds of pitches, weather etc. It is what makes these leagues so exciting!"
And as @AliMaxwell_ & I discussed on the new GBE Eye Pod is one a factor which makes recruitment in L1 so difficult
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/efl-league...
And as @AliMaxwell_ & I discussed on the new GBE Eye Pod is one a factor which makes recruitment in L1 so difficult
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/efl-league...
May 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
"It is not easy to come over to League One, play 46 games, all kinds of pitches, weather etc. It is what makes these leagues so exciting!"
And as @AliMaxwell_ & I discussed on the new GBE Eye Pod is one a factor which makes recruitment in L1 so difficult
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/efl-league...
And as @AliMaxwell_ & I discussed on the new GBE Eye Pod is one a factor which makes recruitment in L1 so difficult
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/efl-league...
A huge piece looking into League One specifically from a GBE and ESC recruitment perspective.
What has happened so far?
What will happen?
Where should L1 clubs look to scout?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/league-one...
What has happened so far?
What will happen?
Where should L1 clubs look to scout?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/league-one...
May 8, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A huge piece looking into League One specifically from a GBE and ESC recruitment perspective.
What has happened so far?
What will happen?
Where should L1 clubs look to scout?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/league-one...
What has happened so far?
What will happen?
Where should L1 clubs look to scout?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/league-one...
League One Week begins with an exciting young African talent who has landed in one of the Eastern European leagues, but is available for immediate transfer to England under the ESC legislation"
Big week on the GBE Expert Hub platform for pro subscribers
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/ehije-ukak...
Big week on the GBE Expert Hub platform for pro subscribers
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/ehije-ukak...
May 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
League One Week begins with an exciting young African talent who has landed in one of the Eastern European leagues, but is available for immediate transfer to England under the ESC legislation"
Big week on the GBE Expert Hub platform for pro subscribers
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/ehije-ukak...
Big week on the GBE Expert Hub platform for pro subscribers
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/ehije-ukak...
We round off April with our free monthly piece for subscribers.
We dig into the managerial merry-go-round post-Brexit.
What has happened in terms of the quantity of non-domestic manager appointments, and have they actually had the desired impact?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/could-the-...
We dig into the managerial merry-go-round post-Brexit.
What has happened in terms of the quantity of non-domestic manager appointments, and have they actually had the desired impact?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/could-the-...
Could "The Great EFL Championship Manager Hunt" involve GBE?
Southampton, Norwich City, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion all need new permanent managers for the forthcoming EFL Championship season...
www.gbeexperthub.com
April 30, 2025 at 10:12 AM
We round off April with our free monthly piece for subscribers.
We dig into the managerial merry-go-round post-Brexit.
What has happened in terms of the quantity of non-domestic manager appointments, and have they actually had the desired impact?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/could-the-...
We dig into the managerial merry-go-round post-Brexit.
What has happened in terms of the quantity of non-domestic manager appointments, and have they actually had the desired impact?
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/could-the-...
Using ESC slots in EFL L2 has been done by 3 clubs so far, should it be more?
Our L2 week continues with an analysis piece that delves into this question.
I believe that if you are connected to an L2 club then you will get so much out of this piece.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/esc-and-ef...
Our L2 week continues with an analysis piece that delves into this question.
I believe that if you are connected to an L2 club then you will get so much out of this piece.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/esc-and-ef...
April 17, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Using ESC slots in EFL L2 has been done by 3 clubs so far, should it be more?
Our L2 week continues with an analysis piece that delves into this question.
I believe that if you are connected to an L2 club then you will get so much out of this piece.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/esc-and-ef...
Our L2 week continues with an analysis piece that delves into this question.
I believe that if you are connected to an L2 club then you will get so much out of this piece.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/esc-and-ef...
I am joined by @hyfprw.bsky.social for a wander through the Balkans trying to find some interesting footballers.
Some great tips for leagues ranging from North Macedonia and Montenegro through to Croatia and Serbia.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/croatia-se...
Some great tips for leagues ranging from North Macedonia and Montenegro through to Croatia and Serbia.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/croatia-se...
March 31, 2025 at 8:04 AM
I am joined by @hyfprw.bsky.social for a wander through the Balkans trying to find some interesting footballers.
Some great tips for leagues ranging from North Macedonia and Montenegro through to Croatia and Serbia.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/croatia-se...
Some great tips for leagues ranging from North Macedonia and Montenegro through to Croatia and Serbia.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/croatia-se...
Finally. Someone else applies this really important piece of information into the debate around player health and workload.
It is not just how many minutes we are asking them to play, it is the intensity in which we are asking them to do it.
Both in training and in matches.
It is not just how many minutes we are asking them to play, it is the intensity in which we are asking them to do it.
Both in training and in matches.
The intensity element is a less accessible part of player demands inflation but it's surely the biggest. (And also possibly places even more questions on post/preseason tours, if the nature of them is changing towards more competitive than fitness exhibition)
March 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Finally. Someone else applies this really important piece of information into the debate around player health and workload.
It is not just how many minutes we are asking them to play, it is the intensity in which we are asking them to do it.
Both in training and in matches.
It is not just how many minutes we are asking them to play, it is the intensity in which we are asking them to do it.
Both in training and in matches.
Dealing with GBE in Scotland is very different than in England.
To discuss this I invited @liamhenshaw.com onto the GBE Eye Podcast.
This is a *free* podcast for everyone to listen to & if you work in recruitment, especially in Scotland, it is worth 30mins
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/what-is-ha...
To discuss this I invited @liamhenshaw.com onto the GBE Eye Podcast.
This is a *free* podcast for everyone to listen to & if you work in recruitment, especially in Scotland, it is worth 30mins
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/what-is-ha...
What is happening with GBE in Scotland - with Liam Henshaw of Hearts - GBE Eye Podcast #10
How is GBE interpreted in Scotland, and what makes it different to England?
www.gbeexperthub.com
March 24, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Dealing with GBE in Scotland is very different than in England.
To discuss this I invited @liamhenshaw.com onto the GBE Eye Podcast.
This is a *free* podcast for everyone to listen to & if you work in recruitment, especially in Scotland, it is worth 30mins
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/what-is-ha...
To discuss this I invited @liamhenshaw.com onto the GBE Eye Podcast.
This is a *free* podcast for everyone to listen to & if you work in recruitment, especially in Scotland, it is worth 30mins
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/what-is-ha...
One of my favourite pieces, a big old deep dive into Scottish football and how the SFA's GBE policies are changing the Premiership.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/the-effect...
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/the-effect...
Fewer Premiership minutes for Scottish players? The Scotland GBE Situation: Part 1
What is happening with GBE allocation north of the border?
www.gbeexperthub.com
March 21, 2025 at 7:03 AM
One of my favourite pieces, a big old deep dive into Scottish football and how the SFA's GBE policies are changing the Premiership.
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/the-effect...
www.gbeexperthub.com/p/the-effect...
And awayyyyy we go!
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🇯🇵
February 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
And awayyyyy we go!
🇯🇵
🇯🇵
Excited about the new League of Ireland season that is about to kick-off?
Did Michael Noonan's winner for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday turn you on to Irish football?
The GBE Eye podcast is *free* for everyone this week & concentrates on 🇮🇪
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/northern-i...
Did Michael Noonan's winner for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday turn you on to Irish football?
The GBE Eye podcast is *free* for everyone this week & concentrates on 🇮🇪
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/northern-i...
Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland GBE Deep Dive - GBE Eye Podcast #5
How have the post-Brexit arrangements affected the relationships and recruitment across the Irish Sea?
andywatsongbe.substack.com
February 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Excited about the new League of Ireland season that is about to kick-off?
Did Michael Noonan's winner for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday turn you on to Irish football?
The GBE Eye podcast is *free* for everyone this week & concentrates on 🇮🇪
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/northern-i...
Did Michael Noonan's winner for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday turn you on to Irish football?
The GBE Eye podcast is *free* for everyone this week & concentrates on 🇮🇪
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/northern-i...
What went on in the January Transfer Window??
Lots and lots of GBE and ESC transfers. Records were broken. Clubs filled their ESC slots.
PL & EFL covered!
Free mega piece for everyone!
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/records-ar...
Lots and lots of GBE and ESC transfers. Records were broken. Clubs filled their ESC slots.
PL & EFL covered!
Free mega piece for everyone!
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/records-ar...
Records Are Broken in The Championship: The January Window Reviewed
Using the lens of The GBE Expert Hub, what went down in GBE/ESC circles in January, and why?
andywatsongbe.substack.com
February 12, 2025 at 5:35 PM
What went on in the January Transfer Window??
Lots and lots of GBE and ESC transfers. Records were broken. Clubs filled their ESC slots.
PL & EFL covered!
Free mega piece for everyone!
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/records-ar...
Lots and lots of GBE and ESC transfers. Records were broken. Clubs filled their ESC slots.
PL & EFL covered!
Free mega piece for everyone!
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/records-ar...
Wow. This is amazing!
this haptic display absolutely rocks. basketball is for everyone.
February 7, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Wow. This is amazing!
*FREE AGENTS WEEK*
It is tough to get complex deals done atm
There are some Free Agents who hit the GBE/ESC criteria who should be interesting EFL & Scottish clubs, we will be focusing on them *all week*
Beginning with this bulletin for pro subscribers
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/free-agenc...
It is tough to get complex deals done atm
There are some Free Agents who hit the GBE/ESC criteria who should be interesting EFL & Scottish clubs, we will be focusing on them *all week*
Beginning with this bulletin for pro subscribers
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/free-agenc...
Free agency GBE style, January updates & the J1 League in focus: GBE Pro Bulletin 5
The final bulletin from within the UK transfer window has a main driver of discussing free agents.
andywatsongbe.substack.com
January 31, 2025 at 10:21 AM
*FREE AGENTS WEEK*
It is tough to get complex deals done atm
There are some Free Agents who hit the GBE/ESC criteria who should be interesting EFL & Scottish clubs, we will be focusing on them *all week*
Beginning with this bulletin for pro subscribers
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/free-agenc...
It is tough to get complex deals done atm
There are some Free Agents who hit the GBE/ESC criteria who should be interesting EFL & Scottish clubs, we will be focusing on them *all week*
Beginning with this bulletin for pro subscribers
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/free-agenc...
Yesterday, Southampton were thwarted in their attempts to appoint 777s Johannes Spors as their new sporting director.
@SidPanayi and I have addressed the issue
*Why did this happen?
*What are the regulations?
*Who could pass?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/sporting-d...
@SidPanayi and I have addressed the issue
*Why did this happen?
*What are the regulations?
*Who could pass?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/sporting-d...
Sporting Directors & The GBE Rules
Why Johannes Spors was denied a work permit & whether this is a maintainable position for The FA/Home Office
andywatsongbe.substack.com
January 22, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Yesterday, Southampton were thwarted in their attempts to appoint 777s Johannes Spors as their new sporting director.
@SidPanayi and I have addressed the issue
*Why did this happen?
*What are the regulations?
*Who could pass?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/sporting-d...
@SidPanayi and I have addressed the issue
*Why did this happen?
*What are the regulations?
*Who could pass?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/sporting-d...
The GBE Eye Podcast is now live!
*What is GBE and ESC?
*A brief focus on the January transfer window
*2 players that British clubs should be looking at this month
*3 free agents that should be signed to improve your squads
Listen to Episode 1 for *FREE*
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ey...
*What is GBE and ESC?
*A brief focus on the January transfer window
*2 players that British clubs should be looking at this month
*3 free agents that should be signed to improve your squads
Listen to Episode 1 for *FREE*
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ey...
The GBE Eye - Episode 1 - What are we doing?
Listen now | features Ringo Meerveld, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Alexander Abrahamsson, Patrick Metcalfe, and Henrik Castegren.
andywatsongbe.substack.com
January 20, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The GBE Eye Podcast is now live!
*What is GBE and ESC?
*A brief focus on the January transfer window
*2 players that British clubs should be looking at this month
*3 free agents that should be signed to improve your squads
Listen to Episode 1 for *FREE*
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ey...
*What is GBE and ESC?
*A brief focus on the January transfer window
*2 players that British clubs should be looking at this month
*3 free agents that should be signed to improve your squads
Listen to Episode 1 for *FREE*
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ey...
Dare I say...HERE WE GO!?
Episode 1 recorded and in the can.
Coming to your ears 20/01/2025
#GBEESCrecruitment
Episode 1 recorded and in the can.
Coming to your ears 20/01/2025
#GBEESCrecruitment
January 18, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Dare I say...HERE WE GO!?
Episode 1 recorded and in the can.
Coming to your ears 20/01/2025
#GBEESCrecruitment
Episode 1 recorded and in the can.
Coming to your ears 20/01/2025
#GBEESCrecruitment
ESC slots are a big deal.
Norwich have just had to suspend registration of Matej Jurasek because of them.
My latest free piece for andywatsongbe.substack.com concentrates on how to use them and convert them.
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-esc-sl...
Norwich have just had to suspend registration of Matej Jurasek because of them.
My latest free piece for andywatsongbe.substack.com concentrates on how to use them and convert them.
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-esc-sl...
January 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM
ESC slots are a big deal.
Norwich have just had to suspend registration of Matej Jurasek because of them.
My latest free piece for andywatsongbe.substack.com concentrates on how to use them and convert them.
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-esc-sl...
Norwich have just had to suspend registration of Matej Jurasek because of them.
My latest free piece for andywatsongbe.substack.com concentrates on how to use them and convert them.
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-esc-sl...
I love Football Manager.
Work in the game has reduced my recent ability to play the game, but I have felt connected to it ever since receiving my first copy, CM98/99, as a teenager.
I got to talk GBE/ESC with @tonyjameson.bsky.social and Si Maggio on The FM Show this week
youtu.be/rDdEubWZYUk?...
Work in the game has reduced my recent ability to play the game, but I have felt connected to it ever since receiving my first copy, CM98/99, as a teenager.
I got to talk GBE/ESC with @tonyjameson.bsky.social and Si Maggio on The FM Show this week
youtu.be/rDdEubWZYUk?...
Premier League & EFL Recruitment Expert shares his Football Manager tips
YouTube video by The FM Show Podcast - A Football Manager Podcast
youtu.be
January 9, 2025 at 2:11 PM
I love Football Manager.
Work in the game has reduced my recent ability to play the game, but I have felt connected to it ever since receiving my first copy, CM98/99, as a teenager.
I got to talk GBE/ESC with @tonyjameson.bsky.social and Si Maggio on The FM Show this week
youtu.be/rDdEubWZYUk?...
Work in the game has reduced my recent ability to play the game, but I have felt connected to it ever since receiving my first copy, CM98/99, as a teenager.
I got to talk GBE/ESC with @tonyjameson.bsky.social and Si Maggio on The FM Show this week
youtu.be/rDdEubWZYUk?...
Yesterday, all of the paid subscribers of the GBE Expert Hub received their first Pro GBE Bulletin.
This is a weekly analysis that you will not get elsewhere. It is a truly unique offering.
Tomorrow, this will be followed by a player report.
Link is in the comments to join in!
This is a weekly analysis that you will not get elsewhere. It is a truly unique offering.
Tomorrow, this will be followed by a player report.
Link is in the comments to join in!
January 2, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Yesterday, all of the paid subscribers of the GBE Expert Hub received their first Pro GBE Bulletin.
This is a weekly analysis that you will not get elsewhere. It is a truly unique offering.
Tomorrow, this will be followed by a player report.
Link is in the comments to join in!
This is a weekly analysis that you will not get elsewhere. It is a truly unique offering.
Tomorrow, this will be followed by a player report.
Link is in the comments to join in!
Interesting to see reports of Michael Wimmer being approached to manage in L1
Looks to be a great profile for that level, but he doesn't meet the criteria for a head coach role
He is months short of the requisite experience, needs 2yrs consecutive, or 3yrs total
open.substack.com/pub/andywats...
Looks to be a great profile for that level, but he doesn't meet the criteria for a head coach role
He is months short of the requisite experience, needs 2yrs consecutive, or 3yrs total
open.substack.com/pub/andywats...
December 20, 2024 at 1:35 PM
Interesting to see reports of Michael Wimmer being approached to manage in L1
Looks to be a great profile for that level, but he doesn't meet the criteria for a head coach role
He is months short of the requisite experience, needs 2yrs consecutive, or 3yrs total
open.substack.com/pub/andywats...
Looks to be a great profile for that level, but he doesn't meet the criteria for a head coach role
He is months short of the requisite experience, needs 2yrs consecutive, or 3yrs total
open.substack.com/pub/andywats...
Was just in Lidl at 21:50
Had a chat with the staff member counting the bakery items left at the end of the day
"It must be difficult to work out how many to make" I said, surveying the vast quantities of croissants & baked goods
"The worst thing is, it all goes in the bin"
In. The. Bin! WTF!!
Had a chat with the staff member counting the bakery items left at the end of the day
"It must be difficult to work out how many to make" I said, surveying the vast quantities of croissants & baked goods
"The worst thing is, it all goes in the bin"
In. The. Bin! WTF!!
December 18, 2024 at 10:29 PM
Was just in Lidl at 21:50
Had a chat with the staff member counting the bakery items left at the end of the day
"It must be difficult to work out how many to make" I said, surveying the vast quantities of croissants & baked goods
"The worst thing is, it all goes in the bin"
In. The. Bin! WTF!!
Had a chat with the staff member counting the bakery items left at the end of the day
"It must be difficult to work out how many to make" I said, surveying the vast quantities of croissants & baked goods
"The worst thing is, it all goes in the bin"
In. The. Bin! WTF!!
Went to Boro U21 v Benfica U21 tonight.
Benfica #73 Beni Souza was an absolute class above. He won the penalty that won the game for the Portuguese.
Boro really struggled to create anything against a physically dominant opponent.
Benfica #73 Beni Souza was an absolute class above. He won the penalty that won the game for the Portuguese.
Boro really struggled to create anything against a physically dominant opponent.
December 18, 2024 at 10:19 PM
Went to Boro U21 v Benfica U21 tonight.
Benfica #73 Beni Souza was an absolute class above. He won the penalty that won the game for the Portuguese.
Boro really struggled to create anything against a physically dominant opponent.
Benfica #73 Beni Souza was an absolute class above. He won the penalty that won the game for the Portuguese.
Boro really struggled to create anything against a physically dominant opponent.
The 12 Days of content are done, this is the future of The GBE Expert Hub.
Can we help you?
Can you help us?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ex...
Can we help you?
Can you help us?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ex...
December 18, 2024 at 3:10 PM
The 12 Days of content are done, this is the future of The GBE Expert Hub.
Can we help you?
Can you help us?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ex...
Can we help you?
Can you help us?
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-gbe-ex...
Reposted by Andy Watson - GBE/ESC Expert
Scored versus Cambuur in the KNVB Beker last night. 2nd goal in 3 matches.
Convinced he’d be an asset to many a Championship club.
Convinced he’d be an asset to many a Championship club.
Yassin Oukili is an interesting profile who is soon OOC at RKC in the Eredivisie, which is Band 2 in GBE.
@brad8926.bsky.social has done a report on Oukili which forms part of our offering on GBE Expert Hub today, plus analysis on Band 1-3 recruitment
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-most-i...
@brad8926.bsky.social has done a report on Oukili which forms part of our offering on GBE Expert Hub today, plus analysis on Band 1-3 recruitment
andywatsongbe.substack.com/p/the-most-i...
The most important learning from recruiting in Bands 1-3, including GBE Expert Player Report on Yassin Oukili
Day 9 of the 12 Days of GBE Expert Hub Content
andywatsongbe.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 1:06 AM
Scored versus Cambuur in the KNVB Beker last night. 2nd goal in 3 matches.
Convinced he’d be an asset to many a Championship club.
Convinced he’d be an asset to many a Championship club.