First Team Opposition Analyst

Middlesbrough Football Club is seeking a talented and driven First Team Opposition Analyst to join our football department at Rockliffe Park. Reporting directly to the Head of Performance Analysis, you will play a critical role in our tactical preparation and pre-match planning.

In this role, you will analyse upcoming opponents to deliver bespoke, actionable insights to the coaching staff, players, and the wider analysis team. Working closely with first-team coaches and the data department, your work will directly shape first-team strategy and matchday performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Opposition Analysis: Lead the scouting and tactical breakdown of upcoming opponents, delivering clear and concise presentations to first-team coaching staff.
• Tactical Delivery: Produce high-quality, visual analysis using video, macOS platforms, and advanced telestration tools to support game-plan development.
• Goalkeeping Insights: Collaborate with the Goalkeeping Coach to identify individual opponent trends, set-piece threats, and penalty profiles.
• Player Preparation: Create and distribute customised clips to individual players detailing their direct opponents’ tendencies and weaknesses.
• Matchday Analysis: Attend all home and away fixtures to code match events live, providing real-time tactical feedback to coaches using Hudl Sportscode and Replay.
• Database Management: Create and maintain internal databases to track opponent playing philosophies, patterns, and long-term trends.
• Post-Match Review: Assist the Head of Analysis in reviewing team performance, using video and telestration to assess tactical execution.
• Training Support: Help capture and analyse training sessions alongside the training analyst when required.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven Experience: A strong background working within a performance analysis department at a professional football club (ideally at the first-team level).
• Academic Foundation: A degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) in Performance Analysis, Sports Science, or a related field.
• Football Intelligence: Deep knowledge of Championship and EFL football, including its unique physical demands, tactical variety, and league trends.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency with industry-standard analysis software, including Hudl Sportscode, Hudl Studio, Wyscout, Second Spectrum, and Statsbomb.
• Mac Proficiency: Expertise in macOS software, specifically Keynote and Numbers, alongside Microsoft Office.
• Strong Communication: An ability to translate complex data and video into simple, actionable insights for players and staff.
• Key Soft Skills: A proactive, collaborative team player who thrives in high-pressure environments, maintains strict confidentiality, and is always looking to learn and develop.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work unsociable hours, including weekends, evenings, and extensive travel.
• Right to Work: You must be eligible to work in the UK.