Man City Head of Data Insights leaves after six years
Mooney joined City in 2014
Written by Simon Austin — November 10, 2019
MANCHESTER CITY’S most senior data scientist, Lee Mooney, has left the club after six years to launch a start-up.
Money had been the club’s Head of Data Insights and Decision Technology since September 2015, responsible for providing data-driven insights into recruitment, performance and sports science across the City Football Group of clubs.
His equivalent at Liverpool would be Dr Ian Graham, the highly-regarded Head of Research, although his focus is on the first team at one club.
Mooney joined City in early 2014 as their lead on recruitment analytics, after the club had launched a 'MCFC Analytics' initiative to find data scientists.
His role was primarily focussed on developing analytical tools to assist in the identification and valuation of players, but expanded to provide support to the Football Performance and Human Performance departments.
Prior to joining City, Mooney held a number of advisory roles specialising in data architecture and visual analysis, primarily in the financial services sector.
Mooney tweeted: "Huge day today. Six years ago, a special football club took a chance on a little-known industry outsider. Fast-forward to today and I've been part of a unique and international journey - and worked with more than 10 different clubs along the way.
"Making the decision to leave hasn't been easy - but I felt it was the right decision and moment for my family (I also think it'll help me to develop in new and exciting ways). Thanks for all the kind from friends and family, both inside and outside City, you're the best."
Before joining City, Mooney worked for Barclays for almost four years as a Visual Analytics Manager and as a Data and Business Intelligence Architect for United Utilities.
In June this year, City advertised for their first dedicated first-team data scientist, although they are yet to announce an appointment.
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