#PLStories- Saints’ academy director reveals reasons for confirming youngster Will Armitage at Southampton #SAINTSFC

SAINTS have kept their eye on new signing Will Armitage for some time according to academy director Matt Hale, who revealed that Saints’ player insights department played a big part in identifying the 16-year-old. A programme introduced at the start of the 2020/21 season by director of football operations Matt Crocker, the insights department uses “video and modern technology to support all recruitment decisions at academy and first team level.” Rather than relying on scout reports and opinions, the department aims to use analytics to determine whether signings should be made. The signing of Armitage was perhaps made easier by the fact that the 16-year-old has already appeared in Cheltenham’s first team this campaign, with Hale stating that the insights department had been specifically tasked with finding Saints a centre-half for the future. Hale stated: “Our new player insights department have led on the search for a talented centre back to join our professional development phase.” "We have monitored Will for many months and witnessed his progress at Cheltenham with much interest.” Saints’ academy director also praised the League One club for their assistance in the move, with the deal complicated by the fact Armitage is still only 16. He will join Saints on a scholarship deal, initially linking up with the under-18s before fighting for a place in Saints’ B team. "Cheltenham have been excellent in working with us to make the signing happen and once we were permitted to talk to Will,” continued Hale. “It was evident his maturity and professional character would be an ideal match for our Southampton Football Club culture. "Will has some strong physical characteristics and the ability on the ball to suit our style of play at the Club. It will be great to see him playing in an Academy shirt hopefully this weekend and I look forward to seeing him develop further with us.”