Alumni

Adam Johnson

Career Path: First Team Performance Analyst, West Bromwich Albion Football Club
Location: Birmingham, UK

After graduating from Northumbria University with a 2:1 in Sports Coaching, I went on to work for Leicester City Football Club as one of their first team Analysts. I was part of the backroom staff for the Premier League winning season. After that I moved to West Bromwich Albion Football Club where I took up the role of Head of Academy Performance Analysis. This role led me to leading and restructuring the Academy Analysis Department and recruiting and managing three new members of staff. I also integrated academy performance analysis across all age groups from U9-U23's whilst giving the U23's pre and post-match analysis.

What are you doing now?

Since then I have moved into the role of First Team Performance Analyst at West Bromwich Albion Football Club. This includes day-to-day interaction with the players, first team coach and the manager to analyse upcoming opposition and review our own games.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

The area and the benefit the course had with links to Newcastle United Football Club. It was also a chance to train at a top class facility in Gateshead for my athletics.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Sports coaching had many different types of teaching from practicals, to large lectures and small seminars.

How connected was your course with industry?

My course was broad and opened up a wide range of career options for me.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

My final year placement with Newcastle United Football Club allowed me to move into the industry.

What was the best thing about your course?

The mix between practical, seminars and lectures. All lecturers on the course were a credit and very approachable when needed.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

My placement and the insight I learnt on the course has allowed me to get ahead in the industry and put me ahead early on in my career when applying for a role in a competitive industry.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Patience and the effect of communication. Communication is a skill I use on a day-to-day basis which allows me to use the knowledge gained from my course in the correct way.