The future and the past: The (monster) Technical Area, June 2024

This month at SCOUTED, change is nigh.

Hey everyone,

Tom here. This TTA is late for two reasons. First, my focus is a little frazzled because this month has been such a blur. Tournaments, streams, writing, editing, columns, crying (over England)…what a month. I’ve learned a lot, written a lot, watched a lot. It’s also provided a much-needed spark of reinvigoration as we barrel towards a new season (jesus).

The second reason is this blog is the longest I’ve ever written. Sorry! It contains details on our early plans for 2024/25, or as many as I could share. Things are changing. Stuff is happening. You, our paying subscribers, are funding that change, so it’s only fair you get to know what I’m thinking. This is a year in review, and a look ahead to the next.

Before we get there, a quick few notes from me. I wanted to say thank you, firstly, to those of you who showed up to the handful of streams Stephen and I hosted early in the tournament. I became a writer so I would never, ever have to go on camera - how’s that going? Idiot. It’s really far outside my comfort zone, so thanks to everyone who said nice things. And a special thanks to Ben Bocsak and Jon Mackenzie, who are delightful colleagues and better friends.

Secondly, thanks to everyone who’s read, liked and shared my own columns this month. A few people have reached out and told me how much they enjoyed them, which means a lot. This kind of football writing doesn’t really fit with SCOUTED’s whole shtick, so I appreciate your willingness to try something different. I’ll have more to share about the future of my work later this summer, for those interested.

Finally: there will be no Technical Area next month. I’m taking a two-week break to the middle of August and will encourage the team to take some time away too. We’re preparing some work to tide over the gap, but I’m going to do my best to properly disconnect and rest. So there. I’ll see you next in early September.

Right! I think that’s it. Let’s get into this colossal braindump. Here’s everything we’ve learned this year, and the teachings we’re taking into next. I imagine only the most devoted bods will make it through this, so here’s what’s coming up so you can skip to the bit you’re interested in. Otherwise, I’ll see you on the other side.

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On the docket:

• A year in review

• A ten year anniversary! Whaaaat

• A new face and a huge change

• The future of this newsletter