Data will never be “the boss” as long as Simo Valakari is in charge of St Johnstone, the Perth head coach has insisted.
But the Finn is happy to embrace modern football trends to help the McDiarmid Park club achieve success.
Owner Adam Webb has revealed the details of a tie-up with Stamford University.
One of the sports analytics interns at the Alabama college is dedicated to crunching numbers in support of Saints’ recruitment, player development and opposition analysis.
For Valakari, the key to making that input work is having an open mind about its worth, while always remembering that the “human touch” can’t be undervalued.
“Football is changing more and more,” he said.
“There is so much data available these days.
“It should always be used as a support because it can help.
“He (the Samford student) is working from outside.
“When he sees data from training or games, our players and opponents, he is not giving opinions based on feelings or personalities.
“Sometimes it will back up what I am thinking.
“But also, as a coach, sometimes you need to be brave enough to go more with what you are seeing with your own eyes.
“I believe in data but only as a help – it’s not the boss.
“Picking what is important to you is a big thing. There are so many numbers out there that you could go crazy trying to follow them all.
“I’ve always said that for me character is one of the most important things, which data can’t help you with.
“You can never lose the human touch.”
No County distractions
Meanwhile, Valakari won’t allow his own summer signing strategy to be influenced by the big-spending approach of fellow Championship new boys, Ross County.
With the aid of Roy MacGregor’s deep pockets, Dingwall manager Don Cowie has beaten off competition from Premiership sides to clinch deals for Ross Docherty, Declan Gallagher and Gary Mackay-Steven, among others.
Valakari, though, is neither daunted about the prospect of having to finish above County in the league table nor their transfer business.
“I didn’t have a preference on who won the play-off between Livingston and Ross County,” he said.
“It was out of our control.
“Now it’s the same – we can’t control what Ross County are doing.
“They obviously want to bounce back straight away, as we do.
“We just need to be ready, it’s as simple as that.
“Of course, I see who the other clubs are signing, and which players are still available.
“But you can let that affect you and change your emotions.
“I use a boxing metaphor.
“When boxers get angry, they lose their concentration and get knocked out.
“We need a clear head and to focus on what we are doing.”
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