Key Points
- Bolton Wanderers have ended their two-year partnership with sports data consultancy Ludonautics, founded by Ian Graham, former Liverpool research director.
- The collaboration began in exchange for B class shares in the club’s parent company, Football Ventures (Whites) Limited, to enhance recruitment, especially in international markets.
- The split is described as amicable, with Bolton moving towards a traditional blend of analytics and face-to-face scouting under new sporting director Fergal Harkin.
- Chris Markham, the previous sporting director who helped forge the Ludonautics partnership, left the club after four years, prompting a search for his replacement.
- Club officials expressed gratitude to Ian Graham and his team for their expertise and support during the partnership.
- Ian Graham stated he wished the club well and valued the opportunity to work with Bolton’s management.
- The club’s recruitment strategy is now focused on strengthening internal analysis and scouting, with summer transfer plans in place for various scenarios, including overseas signings.
- Bolton’s 2025–26 League One fixtures have been announced, with the season opener against Stockport County on 3 August 2025.
Bolton Wanderers have officially ended their partnership with Ludonautics, the sports data consultancy led by analytics pioneer Ian Graham, marking a significant shift in the club’s approach to player recruitment and scouting. The decision comes amid broader changes in the club’s football operations, including the departure of key recruitment figure Chris Markham and the appointment of a new sporting director.
Why Did Bolton Wanderers End Their Partnership with Ludonautics?
As reported by Marc Iles of The Bolton News and Yahoo Sport UK, Bolton Wanderers have concluded their collaboration with Ludonautics, a relationship that began two years ago to provide the club with access to advanced scouting data and analytics. The partnership was established when Ludonautics received B class shares in Bolton’s parent company, Football Ventures (Whites) Limited, in exchange for their expertise—particularly with the aim of enhancing recruitment in international markets.
A club spokesperson told The Bolton News:
“Our association with Ludonautics has concluded. We are profoundly thankful to Ian [Graham] and his team for their assistance and expertise on the specific initiatives we collaborated on”.
The separation is described as cordial, with the club now opting for a more conventional mix of analytics and face-to-face scouting under the direction of new sporting director Fergal Harkin.
Who Is Ian Graham and What Was Ludonautics’ Role at Bolton?
Ian Graham, founder of Ludonautics, is widely recognised for his work as Liverpool’s former director of research. He was instrumental in creating one of the Premier League’s earliest in-house analytics departments, working alongside Michael Edwards and Jurgen Klopp to build Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League-winning squads between 2012 and 2023.
Ludonautics brought this high-level expertise to Bolton, aiming to modernise the club’s recruitment process and uncover hidden talent, particularly from overseas markets. However, as Marc Iles of The Bolton News notes, the partnership did not yield the anticipated results for Bolton.
In a statement reported by The Bolton News, Ian Graham said:
“Although our professional collaboration has come to an end, I wish BWFC all the best for both the present and the future. It was a privilege to work with and support their forward-thinking ownership and management team during our time together”.
What Changes Are Happening in Bolton’s Recruitment Department?
According to The Real EFL, Bolton Wanderers are undergoing significant changes in their recruitment and analysis department. Chris Markham, who joined the club in January 2021 and played a pivotal role in shaping their data-driven approach, has left after four years in the role. Markham was instrumental in establishing the link with Ludonautics and developing the club’s use of analytics for transfer decisions.
The club is now searching for a new sporting director to oversee recruitment and analysis, aiming to have a replacement in place before the end of the season. Despite recent criticism over recruitment and the team’s inconsistency, the club remains committed to strengthening its backroom operations, with head coach Steven Schumacher’s position unaffected by these changes.
How Will Bolton’s Transfer Strategy Change After Parting with Ludonautics?
As reported by The Bolton News and The72, Bolton Wanderers are preparing for a summer of transition in their transfer strategy. Manager Ian Evatt confirmed that plans are in place for multiple scenarios, depending on whether the club achieves promotion or remains in League One.
Evatt told The Bolton News:
“There have been a lot of different scenarios we have had to plan for, and Chris [Markham] in particular is doing well keeping my head clear for what is important. They are looking to give us the best possible options, regardless of how this season ends”.
With the Ludonautics partnership now over, Bolton are expected to return to a more traditional scouting model, combining in-house analytics with face-to-face scouting. However, the club has not ruled out pursuing overseas signings, especially if promotion to the Championship is secured3. If the club remains in League One, the focus is likely to remain on domestic recruitment, as has been the trend in recent seasons.
What Are the Reactions from Club Officials and Ludonautics?
Both parties have emphasised the positive aspects of their collaboration. The club publicly thanked Ian Graham and his team for their support and expertise, while Graham reciprocated with well wishes for Bolton’s future. There has been no indication of any dispute or acrimony in the split, with both sides framing the decision as a natural conclusion to a professional relationship that had run its course.
What’s Next for Bolton Wanderers?
Bolton Wanderers are now focused on the upcoming 2025–26 League One season, with fixtures already announced. The club will open their campaign away at Stockport County on 3 August 2025, with the regular season concluding at home to Luton Town on 2 May 2026.
The club’s leadership is determined to strengthen recruitment and analysis, with a new sporting director expected to be appointed soon. Manager Ian Evatt and his staff are preparing for various transfer scenarios, aiming to give the club the best possible chance of success, whether in League One or the Championship.
How Has Bolton’s Approach to Commercial Partnerships Evolved?
In a related development, Bolton Wanderers have also taken a strong stance on commercial partnerships, particularly with the gambling industry. As reported by the club’s official website, Bolton no longer provides on-site betting facilities at their stadium and will not enter into new sponsorships with gambling firms. Chairman Sharon Brittan stated:
“Problem gambling ruins lives and we’ve taken this stance to show our support for those who are suffering from a betting addiction”.
What Does This Mean for Bolton’s Future?
The end of the Ludonautics partnership marks a significant moment for Bolton Wanderers as they seek to balance modern analytics with traditional scouting methods. With changes in key personnel and a renewed focus on strengthening their recruitment strategy, the club is positioning itself for a crucial period both on and off the pitch.
As the club prepares for the new season and the next phase of its recruitment evolution, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Bolton can achieve their ambitions and return to the Championship. The club’s leadership, staff, and supporters will be watching closely as these developments unfold.