Breaking News New COSU Member & Investor - Shivaas Gulati

[tallboyblue]

Let's not mention he who shall not be named on here. It's negative and frankly what he once said is totally irrelevant now.

I think we've all had enough of him.

Can’t forget until we are a proper league club again.

 

[Blue Yonder]

Develop a suite of systems to improve performance on and off the field which when it’s proven at Southend you have a very valuable resource to sell all over the world.

 

[CaptainSmudger]

When is all this financial talk going to provide us with a Top Striker and Top Centre Back to take us forward asap?

 

[Barling Magna]

When is all this financial talk going to provide us with a Top Striker and Top Centre Back to take us forward asap?

January. Maybe.

We'll see more of that Global Express flying into Southend Airport from Seattle I guess.

 

[Leeboy]

the Southend United Shrimpers of Essex County

blooming Americanisms

 

[Che's Left Foot]

I'd be interested to see how tech will benefit the club greatly. Beyond streamlining and potentially improving the matchday what exactly else can tech do for the club.

Just a genuine question. We are a national league football club not a cutting edge city based start up.

Google starlizard.

Last I checked Brighton are doing alright.

 

[Chrisb]

A 5th teir local football club. The current leadership generally have something to connect them to the area. Did I miss something, but he’s not got any connections to south east Essex?
I can’t see any attraction to someone based in Seattle. How many other clubs have had ‘remote’ investment and it’s not worked well? More than the Wrexham story.. just a gut feeling. I hope I’m wrong.

Fair enough.

 

[hlane17]

Blockchain for Fan Ownership & Investment

• Application: Use blockchain tech to allow fan investment or tokenized ownership, fostering a sense of community.
• Example: Juventus uses fan tokens that provide fans with voting rights on minor club decisions, increasing fan involvement

Absolutely LOVE the idea of using blockchain for a Southend United DAO or 'decentralised autonomous organisation' for fans to vote on club decisions.

 

[annie1954]

When is all this financial talk going to provide us with a Top Striker and Top Centre Back to take us forward asap?

Very soon I hope without some quality investment it’s many more years of National League football

 

[NZamba Legend]

First team in the National League to use AI for their tactics?

Computer says 442

 

[OldBlueLady]

Well, I don't have a clue about technology and all this AI inspired talk just leaves me cold! But, I think this is fantastic news for COSU and therefore, for us. An additional money man, investing in COSU, becoming a shareholder, and hopefully, falling in love with a little old South East Essex Club much like Justin has. He may have no previous connection to us, but I don't think we should hold that against him. Welcome on board, Shivaas.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Gulati and Justin Rees, an Australian entrepreneur who is chairman of the consortium, even used AI to bypass lawyers and draft Gulati’s purchase agreement and contracts.

****ing hell. COSU will probably now end up being sued under US law as AI selected the wrong choice of law and the reps and warranties will make no sense for an English company operating in that sector.

 

[sufc4life21]

Could be game changer for us...... he clearly got few quid which enables COSU and the club to potentially progress on and off the pitch quicker than which has been previously outlined. Real step in the right direction for us going forward.

 

[stewart]

Southend United are moving into the 21 century finally .

 

[BEERMONSTER]

Well, I don't have a clue about technology and all this AI inspired talk just leaves me cold! But, I think this is fantastic news for COSU and therefore, for us. An additional money man, investing in COSU, becoming a shareholder, and hopefully, falling in love with a little old South East Essex Club much like Justin has. He may have no previous connection to us, but I don't think we should hold that against him. Welcome on board, Shivaas.

He has also been around Justin and other COSU members for the last 6 months from what we are told. More than enough to fall under the magic of the Shrimpers! Obviously been observing from the sidelines and likes what he sees and along with the others happy to invest both time and finances. His profile does seem to fit the type of entrepreneur you would expect Justin to look to bring in.

 

[Ramsdenblue]

Are we going to see John Still and co replaced by data analysts and the coaching team supported by analysts too.

Hope not.

The thing is, I think Kev and John Still are old school, and suddenly having all this new AI tech being thrown at them, may make erm feel uncomfortable,

Could be a good thing, but could also back fire on us Old Schoolers.

 

[kentblues]

Since the question is about how technology can help even in less than obvious scenarios, I asked my good mate ChatGPT for some thoughts.

Long boring post alert but some of the ideas are pretty cool.


Here's a list of 20 ways technology could enhance both on-field and off-field performance for a lower-league football club aiming to progress through the leagues, along with examples and case studies where applicable:

On-Field Performance

1. Player Performance Tracking
   • Application: Use GPS trackers and wearable tech to monitor players' movement, speed, distance covered, and heart rate during games and training.
   • Example: Leicester City implemented Catapult's player-tracking system to optimize players' conditioning during their 2015-16 Premier League-winning season.
2. Video Analysis for Tactical Insights
   • Application: Use video analysis software like Hudl or Wyscout for reviewing games and training sessions, allowing coaches and players to analyze tactics, positioning, and decision-making.
   • Example: Brentford FC's analysis department uses Wyscout to analyze opponents, helping them climb from lower leagues to the Premier League.
3. Injury Prevention & Recovery Tech
   • Application: Deploy devices like Force Plates, NormaTec recovery systems, and thermal imaging to assess physical strain and recovery needs.
   • Example: Liverpool FC uses a range of recovery tech, including cryotherapy and force plate data, to reduce injuries and aid recovery times.
4. Data-Driven Scouting & Recruitment
   • Application: Use advanced data analytics platforms like StatsBomb to identify talent within specific metrics, often uncovering players from undervalued leagues.
   • Example: Brentford FC pioneered data-driven recruitment, which helped them discover talented players for relatively low costs.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) for Skills Training
   • Application: VR tech allows players to practice specific scenarios virtually, improving decision-making and reaction times.
   • Example: Manchester City has explored VR training with players to create realistic match simulations.
6. AI-Powered Tactical Adjustments
   • Application: Use AI-driven tools like Beyond Sports to simulate various tactical strategies, preparing for different opponents.
   • Example: Dutch clubs like AZ Alkmaar use Beyond Sports' AI simulations to prep for matches by simulating opponent patterns.
7. Biomechanical Analysis for Technique Optimization
   • Application: Employ tools like Dartfish or Kinexon to assess players’ biomechanics, refining technique to enhance performance.
   • Example: AS Roma uses Dartfish to analyze players’ running technique, helping to improve speed and efficiency.
8. Heat Maps & Positional Data for Tactical Awareness
   • Application: Provide visual heat maps and positional data to players to better understand movement and positioning.
   • Example: Borussia Dortmund uses heat maps extensively in training to maximize positional play.
9. Sports Psychology Apps
   • Application: Use mental health and performance apps like Headspace or InnerVoice to support players' psychological well-being and confidence.
   • Example: Clubs like Manchester United have sports psychologists and apps to improve players’ mental resilience.
10. Smart Ball Technology for Technical Skill Development
    • Application: Tools like the Adidas miCoach smart ball track a player’s shooting and passing metrics to improve technique.
    • Example: Some Bundesliga academies have incorporated smart balls in training for more targeted skill development.

Off-Field Performance

1. Fan Engagement Platforms
   • Application: Use apps and platforms (e.g., Socios) to allow fans to engage with the club digitally, boosting loyalty.
   • Example: Barcelona uses Socios to let fans vote on certain aspects of club management, increasing engagement and revenue.
2. AI for Ticketing & Dynamic Pricing
   • Application: Utilize AI-driven ticketing solutions that adjust prices based on demand to maximize attendance and revenue.
   • Example: MLB clubs in the U.S. use dynamic pricing algorithms for tickets, increasing revenues by optimizing pricing.
3. Merchandising through E-commerce Platforms
   • Application: Use targeted e-commerce sites to sell merchandise and reach a wider audience.
   • Example: Manchester City uses a comprehensive e-commerce platform, helping expand its fanbase and merchandise sales globally.
4. Data Analytics for Marketing Strategies
   • Application: Analyze fan demographics and engagement to tailor marketing efforts effectively.
   • Example: AS Roma uses fan data insights to tailor promotions and merchandise launches, boosting revenue.
5. Social Media AI for Fan Sentiment Analysis
   • Application: Use AI tools to analyze fan sentiment on social media, allowing the club to respond better and foster loyalty.
   • Example: Tottenham Hotspur uses social media analysis to adapt its marketing and communication strategies to fan sentiment.
6. Fitness Apps for Fans to Connect with the Club
   • Application: Clubs can create or partner with fitness apps to offer fans training programs similar to those of players.
   • Example: Arsenal has partnered with fitness apps to offer fans personalized fitness and wellness plans.
7. Stadium App for Enhanced Matchday Experience
   • Application: Develop an app that provides fans with real-time updates, food ordering, and other conveniences on matchday.
   • Example: Tottenham Hotspur's stadium app allows fans to order refreshments and get real-time game stats.
8. Blockchain for Fan Ownership & Investment
   • Application: Use blockchain tech to allow fan investment or tokenized ownership, fostering a sense of community.
   • Example: Juventus uses fan tokens that provide fans with voting rights on minor club decisions, increasing fan involvement.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) for Fan Engagement
   • Application: Implement AR to create interactive experiences, such as virtual tours or player interactions.
   • Example: Manchester City has offered virtual stadium tours using AR, bringing fans closer to the club experience.
10. Advanced CRM for Personalized Fan Interactions
    • Application: Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track fan interactions and personalize communications.
    • Example: Bayern Munich uses Salesforce’s CRM tools to understand fan preferences and deliver targeted promotions and content.

Conclusion

By strategically implementing technology like data analytics, AI, VR, and digital engagement platforms, lower-league clubs can not only improve their on-field performance but also build a strong fanbase and generate additional revenue streams. Successful cases like Brentford FC and Leicester City demonstrate the potential for transformation with these tools. Each tech solution can be tailored to a club’s specific needs, making this approach both versatile and impactful for growth.

Very interesting. On reflection it seems to me this all very much plays into the whole theme of growing sustainably and with good governance. And there seems to be mutual benefit in terms of his interest in technology and sport.

No doubt he has had to buy in and at worst he will share the load in terms of day to day costs and investment.

As a member of the consortium will he be investing heavily over and beyond what is required this by ‘share’? Thinking about it I have my doubts- and this may be a good thing. Enabling sustainable success is far more important than throwing a load of money around- indeed the latter tends to be the enemy of the former.

Anyway I would caution the idea that we somehow now have loads of money to spend. We shall see.

It would of course be very interesting to know the % of his ownership compared to the other ten.

 

[flangejackrabbit]

Gulati and Justin Rees, an Australian entrepreneur who is chairman of the consortium, even used AI to bypass lawyers and draft Gulati’s purchase agreement and contracts.

That kind of thing should worry anyone who has uses AI in practice...

 

[Boreham Blue]

There continues to be lots of talk about January but as @BoyWonder2 has confirmed we can sign any players now. The only benefit I can see of January is that if we sign a player from say league 2 they may only let them go when they can replace them or similarly as league clubs sign players it may make existing squad members surplus to requirements. Am I missing anything else?

 

[southendkid]

That kind of thing should worry anyone who has uses AI in practice...

It does only say draft to be fair, he hopefully got a lawyer to go through and correct the numerous errors the AI will have made afterwards.