What the football industry professionals say

A winning club relies on recruiting the best off-pitch talent as much as on-pitch, but traditionally off-pitch recruitment has been a private, closed network, with clubs not able to discover new top talent, and most industry professionals missing out on the best opportunities.

That’s why TransferRoom, which has revolutionised football’s transfer market with its digital transfer marketplace, has launched StaffRoom, football’s first digital network for top industry talent. 

An online platform where over 500 football clubs worldwide can access 40,000 profiles of off-pitch professionals in the football industry, StaffRoom allows clubs to discover the talent they need to win, and candidates access to the best opportunities to accelerate their careers.

But what do the football industry professionals themselves think? After the launch of StaffRoom at November 2024’s TransferRoom Summit in Istanbul, we found out.

“I think StaffRoom can make a big difference in terms of organising information about candidates in the industry,” said Rasmus Ankersen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Republic, who own Southampton FC, Göztepe S.K. and Valenciennes FC. “We want to be able to attract the best off-pitch talent, regardless of where they come from.”

Julian Ward, the Technical Director at FSG Football Group, which owns Liverpool FC, said: “The biggest challenge is getting accurate information on players on clubs, on the quality of practitioners to validate performance levels. So the better the information, hopefully the better decisions we make.”

“Many people are good, but they don't have the chance to network, showcase themselves,” Fortaleza Esporte Club’s Sporting Director, Bruno Costa, added. “I believe StaffRoom will give the opportunity to new professionals from the football business to showcase themselves in front of other Sporting Directors so they can work for those clubs.”

Industry professionals at the early stages of their careers also see big benefits, including two recently retired former players on their first steps in off-pitch roles. 

“Having StaffRoom there is going to be massive, to have opportunities all around the world that I can connect to people,” said Steven Birnbaum, Scout and former first-team captain at DC United.

Peter Ramage, the former Newcastle United defender who is now the club’s Assistant Player Loans Manager, added: “TransferRoom is massively respected by all football clubs. So then if you see an advert from a staff member on the [StaffRoom] portal, you know it's coming from a respected background, and one which I think clubs going forward will utilise more and more.

How StaffRoom works

Industry professionals in the following nine roles can join StaffRoom at launch:

• Sporting Director (including Technical Director)
• Assistant Sporting Director
• Head of Recruitment
• Chief Scout
• Scout
• Loans Manager
• Head Coach
• Assistant Manager
• Academy Director

On StaffRoom, clubs can access 40,000 industry professional profiles that are tailored to the skills and qualifications needed to work in football, and the profiles highlight the most important factors for clubs. 

Clubs can also post job adverts to a dedicated football network, and directly message industry professionals.

Industry professionals can claim their individual profile, get seen by over 500 clubs worldwide, find the most relevant opportunities and apply directly, build their global network and gain endorsements.

“TransferRoom is the marketplace for football transfers, a source of unparalleled market intelligence, and now StaffRoom is football’s only digital network for top industry talent," Jonas Ankersen, the CEO and Founder of TransferRoom, says.

“Our vision for the future of football is one where there's increased diversity, smarter hires, and better opportunities for all. We’ll push for more efficiency, helping clubs and industry professionals thrive, while advancing the game itself."

Clubs, activate your StaffRoom account. Industry professionals, claim your profile. Click here to find out more and join StaffRoom now.