The Football Independent

14 June 2026

Article by Matthew Kocx

Buy low. Sell high.

The parallels between long-term investing and player transfers are noticeable. Yet, why do clubs go through periods of mismanaging their players, their teams and their finances?

The answer is perhaps human psychology. When humans win or succeed, they typically crave more success. More trophies. More new frontiers. In football, success is measured by the fans’ barometer. How many trophies are won, whether European football is guaranteed, and is relegation avoided for another season.

This article presents the thesis that if human emotion was removed from decision-making, and long-term principles were established, could clubs thrive? Could men walk amongst giants of the world’s game?

A further look under the hood shows in essence, the smallest clubs are increasingly able to leverage data and analytics to compete with football’s big dogs. But, is it a case of simplicity in terms of player recruitment, club values, dressing room culture and hard work that can be attributed to the disruption?

If the game is being disrupted, can the giants adapt? Have they started to adapt? And if so, will their fans buy into a long-term vision with patience, or chase short-term glory at the club’s financial expense?

This, and so much more will be discussed in this blog. Stay tuned for further updates.

From yours truly,

The Football Independent.