11 Questions with Reece Chambers

The pursuit of wisdom in any walk of life quickly reveals that what you think you know is not nearly enough to get you to where you want to go. As I'm starting out in my football scouting journey I challenged myself to reach out to those already working in various roles in football to answer a short list of questions. My goal wasn't to get answers but relevant perspectives on the game within the game.

Here is Reece Chambers:

How did your first opportunity in football come about?

I've been involved in writing about football since I set up a blog at the age of 14. At that point it had never dawned on me that it could become a serious career path but as things progressed I found myself travelling across the UK for work experience placements to get a better understanding of how the sports media industry works. Since then, I've worked as the Head of Sport at the my university newspaper and, more recently, got my first real chance in the professional industry with Reach PLC earlier this year. With the suspension of football, it has been a good opportunity to get creative with ideas and further develop my analytical skills.

What attracted you to sports media? What’s more intriguing now names or numbers?

Sport has been a huge part of my life since I can remember and I really couldn't see myself working in any other type of industry. From playing, coaching, officiating and, most importantly, watching football, I enjoy watching football from a variety of viewpoints. One of the most important things to outline is that working within football is probably a lot different to people outside of the industry think, but such an unpredictable and intense industry certainly keeps you on your toes.

In terms of names or numbers, this is probably a good time to note that as much as I think numbers can aid an understanding of the game, there really is nothing better than watching matches yourself. 

What player or concept fascinates you? What caught your eye?

One player that fascinates me right now is Kai Havertz. At the age of 20, he's a player that has the potential to become a world-class player (if he isn't already), with the skillset that he has. I'm sure many more fans will start to take notice of his talents with increased audiences of the Bundesliga over the coming weeks.

What is the biggest misconception you’ve found in this space?

One thing that I see misinterpreted quite a lot is the comparison between goals and xG. Comparing those metrics over multiple seasons can be telling, but using them as a sole point of comparison across one season, or an even shorter period of time, fails to recognise the high level of unpredictability in football. Numbers can be a useful and powerful tool, but used outside of its correct context can be detrimental to people's understanding of how a player is performing.

If you could start over what skill would you build on first?

I think patience is a big tool in this job. It's easy to find a new metric and think that it is the best thing since sliced bread. But remembering to apply metrics across the board to get a broad understanding of a player/team is important. I think those points are important given the number of people on Twitter throwing metrics together without any great consideration of what they actually mean. That's not a criticism of others because I've done the same myself. 

What is more important player development or recruitment? Why?

It all depends on what type of club you are. Recruitment is more of a quick-fix option for teams with big budgets and if used correctly. in terms of development, that's probably a more valuable tool for clubs who have limited funds, being able to coach players and make them into significantly better players is a far more important skill.

What is your favorite sports moment? Why?

As much as I love football, writing and analysing the game has meant that I don't get as emotionally involved with the game anymore. With that in mind, rugby has become more of an emotional escape and living in Cardiff has only added to that. The Six Nations is a huge event in the Welsh capital and, having a Welsh father myself, getting down to the city centre and watching Wales vs England in the Six Nations has been one of my favourite sporting moments over recent years. Wales beating England 21-13 last year was a real standout moment. 

What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?

Plain and simple: Sheffield United's Chris Wilder. I've followed him since his League Two days with Northampton Town and actually saw them crowned champions that season when I was following my local club Bristol Rovers. It's been great to see his straight-talking interviews in the Premier League, not to mention the success of his Blades side. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this space?

It's the same piece of advice I've been given since starting a blog 7 years ago: just keep plugging away and reading as much as possible but, most importantly, keeping doing it if you enjoy what you're doing. Sports media is not as glamorous as people make out, so make sure you enjoy what you do before making a proper go of it. 

Who is your favorite athlete? Why?

Steven Gerrard. One of the most complete footballers the Premier League has ever seen and the way he dragged Liverpool to a number of major trophies was magical. I do wonder what he would achieve in this Liverpool side now.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

"I've kept really quiet but I'll tell you something, he went down in my estimations when he said that. We have not resorted to that. You can tell him now, we're still fighting for this title and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something. And I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them."

I wasn't even born at the time, but Kevin Keegan's rant during the 1995/96 title race was pure class.