The Chris Gill Podcast Football recruitment analyst and LOANS manager! - Mike Still - #91
Jan 5, 2026
Mike Still, the Loans Manager at CAA Base, shares his rich journey from being an academy analyst to a recruitment expert. He discusses the intricacies of managing loan placements and emphasizes the importance of balancing data analytics with personality assessments in recruitment decisions. Mike also highlights the challenges of working with lower-league budgets and the need for adaptability in travel and data collection. His insights on scouting opponents and the evolving role of analysts in football provide a fascinating look at the industry's inner workings.
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Agency Loan Manager Mirrors Club Pathway
- Loan managers at agencies mirror club loan/pathway roles but cover a far wider range of player levels and needs.
- The role combines finding moves, monitoring welfare, and advising on playing time, settlement and development.
Two Internships, One Year Of Experience
- Mike combined internships at Southend and Tottenham to gain nearly two years' experience in one calendar year.
- He worked other jobs to cover expenses while building his analysis CV.
First-Team Analyst Reality Varies Widely
- First-team analyst roles vary hugely by club: from single-person departments to multi-staff Premier League teams.
- Turnaround pressures force analysts to prioritise pre-match and post-match work tightly.
