After years of turning addicted fans into budding scouts, best-selling computer sim Football Manager has now been recruited by a Premier League club, it has been confirmed today (November 14th).
Everton have struck a deal with the makers of the hit series to get a sneak peek at their extensive database of 370,000 players, which covers junior to senior levels at clubs around the globe.
Statistics are compiled by makers Sports Interactive's carefully-assembled team of 1,000 scouts, who are based in 50 different countries and report on around 20,000 teams.
One of the creators of the game, Paul Collyer, explained in an interview with the Daily Record that the deal is particularly special for him as he is an ardent fan of the Toffees.
He said: "The database is the most extensive scouting network in football so Everton FC is making a top signing."
It remains to be seen how Everton will make use of their exclusive access, but it may mean that they can shortlist potential transfer targets easily before heading off to watch them.
Miles Jacobson, Football Manager studio director, added: "Clubs use the game to research certain players ... but formal recognition by a top team is fantastic."
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
