Exclusive: Martin Sandgaard appointed Charlton Athletic’s director of analysis

Martin Sandgaard has been appointed director of analysis at Charlton Athletic.

Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard revealed last week that there had been structural changes – with Ged Roddy no longer technical director at the League One club.

Sandgaard junior has been based in London since Nigel Adkins was sacked in late October with his focus purely on how the football side of the business operated.

“The first month or two he was just over there getting to know people,” Sandgaard senior, based in Colorado, told the South London Press.

“Now he is responsible for all of the data analysis. Those people formally report to him.

“He reports directly to me. Steve Gallen [director of football] also reports directly to me. Steve is the negotiating part of it. If you want to sell anything in your house, just ask Steve Gallen! He is the best negotiator you can find.

“I’m very excited about having him. His network throughout the industry is amazing.”

Roddy, who is set to take on a role for FIFA, has previously worked as academy manager at Reading and at the Premier League.

Sandgaard senior told Charlton TV last week that Roddy would be operating on “a more consulting basis” with focus on the academy and women’s side.

Asked by our paper if Roddy was no longer a full-time employee, Sandgaard said: “That’s correct. He is no longer technical director. We’re trying to figure out his specific tasks – us getting category 1 academy status is an important one.

“There are several other things where he has created a lot of value in the past and hopefully can continue to do that.”

Roddy said: “I’ve had a brilliant time at Charlton. I’ve loved working with the staff, the players, Thomas and getting to know the fans, who are such an important part of this club.

“Charlton had been hollowed out before Thomas’ takeover and we’ve been able to build in a lot of infrastructure which was required.

“The club is in an exciting place with Johnnie [Jackson] in charge and doing an excellent job and the great work Karen Hills and her team are doing.

“I’ll still be able to support in various capacities and I look forward to seeing the club continue to progress.”

Jackson, appointed permanent Addicks boss last week, said: “Ged has been a help to me, especially over the last couple of months. Along with Steve Gallen they have been people I can lean on.

“If he is still around the club then great, if not I wish him all the best in whatever he goes into. He’s been good as gold with me.”

Martin Sandgaard had spent 14 years working for Zynex Medical, his father’s business. He had been production and supply chain manager.

The senior Sandgaard is not ruling out other duties being added.

“But right now it is the data analytics for our first-team squad as well as upcoming opponents,” he said.

“He and a small team are analysing that. He also has a whole team he is responsible for, which we call the ‘black box’. It is a team that is analysing as many as 12,000 players on a real-time basis, helping us point out which players will be helpful for our future playing style.

“They typically fall into two categories. There is the very young, talented player that you can invest in. As you saw in the last transfer window we started to do that, which hadn’t really taken place for several years at the club.

“There are some strategic loans, Elliot Lee is one of those – more seasoned players to fill a specific spot. Not all positions need an upgrade in January, that narrows the search down.

“We’re looking to see if we can spot players that not necessarily the other League One clubs are going after.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD