Will Gray becomes our first ever ''Head of Data''!
He will start to work in january but the work already started during the year when Will was an intern. We look forward to follow the work during 2026!
So Will, how would you describe your role as Head of Data in simple terms?
My role as Head of Data is focused on creating a long-term strategy that connects the academy's tactical identity with insights that will help improve the coaching staff's decisions in player performance, development, and recruitment.
2. How should players and coaches notice that your work is making a difference?
With a data strategy tailored to our club and academy vision, the insights provided to the coaches should have a strong correlation with the expectations that all of our players are already familiar with. This is aimed at reinforcing our efforts at creating a clear development pathway for each player that comes through Mjällby.
3. Can you give an example of how data can support better decisions on the pitch?
Data is best used for us to track player development over time, in relation to personalized benchmarks and expectations set out for each player. This allows the coaching staff and I to quantify each player's development in a way that is rooted back to our identity.
4. When do you believe data should not be the deciding factor?
Data will never be the only driving factor that our staff takes into account when making a decision. It serves a specific purpose in several decision-making processes for us—such as tracking long-term development, identifying hidden problems, and measuring player performances.
However, things like mentality, attitude, and other dynamics aren't measured through data. As a result, the coaching staff continues to operate in their normal established workflows, now complemented with more on-field evidence to help them reach more accurate conclusions.
5. What do you hope Mjällby AIF will be better at in a few years because of data?
I hope that through data, our academy and club can operate under a shared vision that has a seamless transition from Academy to A-team, uses systematic talent identification to make more data-driven signings, and to see a significant difference in the processes and workflows of the staff after using data.
Thank you for the interview Will and good luck in your role!
