Sebastian Taghizadeh

Sebastian helped Spurs win the Europa League. From student to First Team Scout, his journey shows how passion, education, and opportunity can lead to football success.

You’ve just won the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur. What was going through your mind at the final whistle?

It was a whirlwind of emotions: pure joy mixed with immense relief. On match day, our direct involvement was minimal, as most of the groundwork happens throughout the season through strategic squad planning, scouting, and recruitment. This campaign was particularly challenging due to persistent injury issues, which affected our Premier League form. So, to finish with a major European trophy and secure Champions League qualification was incredibly satisfying. Personally, it was rewarding to see players I helped recruit, with the rest of the team, play such pivotal roles in our success.

What stood out to you about your course lecturers at Solent?

The diversity in their personalities, expertise, and real-world experience made every lecture engaging. I felt like I learnt something new in every lecture or seminar.

How were the facilities?

Excellent. The classrooms were modern and comfortable, but I especially appreciated the facilities at Test Park—they mirrored those at professional football clubs.

Did your studies help prepare you for the industry?

Absolutely. The course taught me how to communicate effectively, manage pressure, and meet tight deadlines. It also covered a broad range of relevant topics, from coaching and psychology to business and globalisation, all of which are directly applicable in football.

Did you gain any practical experience during your time at Solent?

Yes, Solent offered numerous internships with a wide range of football clubs across many departments like coaching, sport science, analysis as well as scouting and recruitment. After my first year, I secured an internship at West Ham United as an Academy Recruitment Analyst thanks to the university’s support.

Did you receive support when you needed it?

Yes. My dissertation tutor, Graham Mills, and other lecturers were incredibly supportive, especially during my final year when I was juggling full-time work as a first team football scout at Watford Football Club, studies, and personal life during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us about your career journey so far

Away from playing and coaching at amateur level, my professional career included working as:

• First Team Scout, Górnik Łęczna (May–July 2017) Voluntary role secured through Solent University, via a course graduate.
• Academy Recruitment Analyst, West Ham United (July 2017–June 2018) Student placement arranged through Solent University, working under a course alumnus.
• Senior Scout, Watford FC and Udinese Calcio (June 2018–Sept 2022) Started as a student intern via Solent. During my time at the club, I quickly managed to get promoted into a part-time position and gained a full-time role at Watford FC.
• First Team Scout, Tottenham Hotspur (Sept 2022–Present) Joined as Chief International Scout (U20), promoted to Head of Emerging Talent, which was an excellent opportunity to challenge myself in leading a department at an Elite football club at such a young age, and now serve as a First Team Scout.

What inspired you to pursue a career in football?

I’ve been football-obsessed from a young age—thanks in part to Football Manager and FIFA Career Mode! I knew I wanted to be a First Team Scout. I explored how to break into the football industry without being a professional player and quickly realised that university was the best route—especially with Solent’s strong alumni network and its football-specific course.

What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your role?

The hours are long. I am constantly away from my family and friends, and I often miss birthdays or weddings due to travel. But it never feels like work. I’m living my dream. Seeing players that I’ve recommended succeed within the team or be sold for profit is incredibly rewarding.

What are you working on now? Every day is different. The exciting part is that I get to travel the world for my job. I’ve travelled across Europe and even to Indonesia for the U17 World Cup in 2023. Next, I’m heading to the U.S. for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With the summer transfer window open, I’m excited to help shape our squad for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

The UEFA Europa League win with Tottenham is definitely a standout. That said, there have been several other milestones I’m equally proud of. Gaining my first industry experience at West Ham United was a major step, and securing my first full-time role at Watford was a significant breakthrough. I also take great pride in tracking the progress of players I’ve helped recruit. Seeing them succeed at the clubs I’ve worked with is incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone aiming for a career in football?

You have to be truly obsessed with the game. It’s not enough to simply like or even love it. The industry can be demanding, with long hours, low pay early on, and plenty of setbacks. But if you stay consistent and committed, the rewards will come. For me, two things were key:

· gaining real-world experience through a student placement, and

· building strong relationships.

Someone once told me, “your network is your net worth”—and that’s stuck with me ever since.