The Dutch club are hoping the famed baseball analyst can help them close the gap on teams such as Ajax and PSV in the Eredivisie
Beane has been credited with popularising “sabermetrics” - a method of statistical analysis to evaluate athletes - in Major League Baseball with the Oakland Athletics.
A Hollywood film was even made of Beane's impact on Oakland's fortunes on the baseball field, based on the book by Michael Lewis, with Brad Pitt nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of the 52-year-old.
AZ hope that Beane, who has previously revealed his admiration for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, can help to close the gap to traditional Dutch heavyweights Ajax and PSV.
"AZ was already very interested in the Moneyball principle before I got here," general manager Robert Eenhoorn told reporters.
"I have known Billy for a while, because of my history in baseball. When we approached him for this role with AZ, he was immediately enthusiastic.
"He has been able to close the gap with the big-market teams, by being innovative. We are very excited and look forward to working with him. Billy will give his advice from the States and he will visit Alkmaar a few times a year."
Beane believes AZ and Oakland face similar problems, despite being involved in totally different sports, and sees the Eredivisie minnows as an ambitious club despite their small budget.
"I am truly excited for the opportunity to be part of AZ Alkmaar in an advisory role," he told the club's website. "Despite being a great football club with a storied history, they face many of the challenges we have with the Oakland A’s.
"My love for football and AZ’s vision of the future of the club made this an attractive pursuit."
AZ are currently enjoying a positive season – they are fourth in the Eredivisie with nine games to go.
PSV look certain to win the league, and Ajax look out of reach, but AZ will be aiming to close the four-point gap on Feyenoord to assure a Europa League spot for next season.
No comments:
Post a Comment