Your Footballing Equivalent

I’ve always felt there’s a certain synergy between our industry and the world of competitive sports. There is no hiding place, your performance is measured on your output, and while you are a team player the aim is to be the best player in the team. It’s why ex-athletes or people from the sporting arena tend to do well in recruitment. While co-ordinating the AFT (Agency Football Tournament) I’ve found out we have a few ex-footy/rugby/netball stars on the tools. We’ll be doing the draw for the first round on the Wed 11th  a month out from the big day so, there’s still time for entries. So far, we have 84 Recruitment, Hunter Campbell, Momentum, Hays Recruitment, Potentia, Robert Walters, Digital Garage, Franklin Smith, Accordant Group, Lynx, Assemble, Stellar Recruitment, Zeil, Co-Legal, and Alignz competing for glory in the inaugural feast de footy. I think because that’s been front of mind it’s got me thinking about the link between us and them. I predominantly watch the Premier League so forgive me if these comparisons are a little narrow but I feel they’re on the money. Are any of these players your recruitment equivalent or do you know anyone who is a…

Andy Carrol – Cost way too much money to bring on board and to everyone's disappointment never really made it. Shipped off to a lesser agency in due course.

Dirk Kuyt – A bundle of energy. Industrious, hardworking, not the most naturally talented but a fan favourite due to their relentless work rate.

Sergio Aguero –Not only are they consistent in performing at the top level, they’re known for getting a deal over the line at the last minute. 

Jamie Vardy – Started as a mere candidate manager and rose through the ranks to the highest level. Partial to an alco-pop or two, addicted to energy drinks. 

Rory Delapp – A middle-of-the-road recruiter, however, there is one aspect of their game that they excel in. Could be candidate prep or client meetings but it’s their forte.

Zinedin Zidane – The most amazing career, winning the lot! But, if you headbutt somebody at a big function, it’s going to be remembered more than anything else.

Mohammed Salah – Never got the chance they deserved at one agency. They made the move to a club that was able to nurture their talents and now, a superstar.

Gareth Bale – Golf, Home, Recruitment, in that order! Someone who seems to be perpetually out on the course networking but are they really?

James Milner –Performing at the highest level and even in the twilight of an illustrious career, still puts numbers on the board. Showing the youngins how it's done

Jimmy Bullard – The joker of the pack. The recruiter you don’t want to be sat opposite in the board room when giving your forecast, decent player rarely takes things seriously.

Paolo Di Canio – Full of passion but volatile as a consultant/manager. Operating with integrity, but you’re never too far from a bollocking. A complex character to say the least.

Ngolo Kante – Hard not to like. Always brings the positivity up, and their wholesome and hardworking attitude is infectious. Beloved by all.  

Frank Lampard – Triffic little plyer. There are talks of him being the manager's pet but it’s backed up. Some questions on his ability to manage but as a consultant, wow.

Kevin Keegan – Great in their day but unfortunately is known for unrealistic forecasting. Let’s the occasion of things overwhelm them, can avoid reality.

Graeme Le Saux – A fellow Jersey Bean! Versatile and willing to make moves. Lovely guy, but is he too smart to be a recruiter?

Dele Ali – Full of promise, a couple of wrong turns someone down the line and now unfortunately they’re a shadow of the consultant they were going to be.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Struts up to the whiteboard, peacock feathers in full plume, letting everyone know when something is over the line. Massive ego but, a bloody good recruiter.

That’s off the top of my head but if you can think of any more, I’d love to hear it. If there are stories of a John Terry equivalent I want to accusations to be substantiated. I’ll be back next week for the draw of the AFT. Hit me up if you want to get a team together.