LEE CLARK is singing the praises of Prozone – and Dean Hoyle – as he continues to plot a League I promotion bid.
Town chairman Hoyle has invested in the performance analysis system, and manager Clark says it’s already making a difference.
Prozone, which uses a series of specially-placed cameras to capture the action, then provides a detailed breakdown of each player’s performance, is used by many top sporting clubs.
It’s in place at 15 of the 20 Premier League venues – Arsenal are using it for the 10th straight season – and at a string of Championship clubs, but far less common at League I level.
Clark worked with the system at both Newcastle and Norwich, and is delighted to have it available for use now at the Galpharm.
“It’s a very useful tool,” said the boss, who has been busy analysing the goalless home draw with Brentford as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to face Millwall at the New Den.
“It provides information on things like passes completed and uncompleted, tackles made and where headers end up and also allows you to closely monitor a player’s fitness.
“It shows what players are doing right and wrong, and therefore allows you to tailor training sessions much more closely to an individual’s needs.
“And as well as your own side, you can also analyse the opposition, which is useful for future matches.
“We use Prozone in conjunction with a computerised database which allows us to run detailed checks on players myself and my staff have identified as potential targets.
“That’s allowed us to spread the scouting net further, and I’ve been able to bring in hungry young players whose ambitions match the club’s.
“It’s testament to the board that when I spoke to them about the systems and what they provide, they were fully supportive. For them to invest says much about where they want to go.”
