ABSTRACT
For professional football managers, the recruitment of playing talent is the subject of considerable scrutiny from the media and fans. Moreover, player assessment and recruitment decisions are considered a prime measure of managerial acumen and one of managers' most important yet difficult tasks. A number of academic studies have examined the recruitment strategies of professional football clubs in England. A useful starting point in understanding the recruitment strategies adopted by professional football clubs in the UK and by managers in particular would involve an examination of player migration patterns in professional football. The migration of professional football players has attracted considerable academic attention. In addition to providing and accessing information about potential job opportunities, football managers also utilise informal contact networks in the recruitment of players. Assessment is an ongoing process of evaluating players, current and prospective, who demonstrate appropriate levels of performance for inclusion in the team.
