Is the Internet changing the transfer market? We talk with Jure Doler, co-founder of Fieldoo

Is the Internet changing the transfer market? We talk with Jure Doler, co-founder of Fieldoo

Is the Internet changing the transfer market? We talk with Jure Doler, co-founder of Fieldoo

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The dream is, more or less, to turn Football Manager into reality. You log in, scroll on your laptop to see which hidden gems are available, and come to a reasonable agreement if you aren’t using Man City to strengthen your squad. Launching back in September 2012, Fieldoo‘s aim is to become a football marketplace for players and agents; a network where everyone, every player, can showcase his skills. Since the creation, over 200 agents have signed up for a platform with over 4000 players from over 100 countries.

So, we sat down with Jure Doler, co-founder of Fieldoo, to learn more about their platform (which has just launched an agent service) and their vision.

Let’s roll back to square one, how did it all start? Where did the idea, concept and inspiration come from to create Fieldoo?

Fieldoo was born because the market simply needed it. It answers all the questions and faces the challenges of both players and agents, respectively. Because of the lack of communication and network between players and agents (or scouts), not on the highest level, but rather on a bit lower level, where majority of transfers are made. We saw a niche for us.

In recent years we have seen online services offering statistic data mainly for top clubs and top players. Yet we are turning back to the heart of the game, its players – to every aspiring player out there, who is dreaming to become a new star, or every local hero. Football truly is the world’s game, and Fieldoo allows them – and also agents and/or scouts – everywhere showcases (& network, make business) their skills to help boost their career.

The core idea for Fieldoo came up when one of our friends, a  footballer, one day asked us to put his promo video and make a PDF of his CV to send to agents. We realised that to get all his information sent out to an agent, we needed to send so many links and attachments. Therefore, we decided to make things easier and create a 'one stop profile’ - a player’s entire career (CV) in one place, which is easy to share and also with people who are not in the Fieldoo network. On the other hand, many agents and scouts, especially new ones in the business, have many obstacles to kick-start their career. So Fieldoo was born, offering them a business card (profile page), connections, network and many more useful features.

Since the launch of Fieldoo, how many transfers have been made?

Lots of transactions, communication and networking are going on Fieldoo. For now we have one confirmed first successful story, which happened in our Beta period, where some of the agents already have their Fieldoo account, although it wasn’t opened yet like now. We’re proud to say that our first successful story has very a international “echo”: Serbian scout and agent of Spanish agency got the task to find a central defender with youth national caps. Browsing through Fieldoo he found Slovenian footballer Matej Rapnik, who used to play at Hearts and then signed for Thailand champions SCG Muang Thong United shortly after. Rapnik is now enjoying new experience in his career and we’re happy to be part of it.

Why do you think players without clubs will want to join Fieldoo?

One of our users, US footballer Pat Phelan, made a good point saying: “Fieldoo – networking database of players and agents is a great idea and will help to put everyone on a level playing field.” And that’s exactly what Fieldoo is about. It gives an opportunity to everyone, every player – especially the one without current contract – to take the next step. Through our platform those players have another channel for promotion and, of course, network. Most (professional) football players don’t have access to permanent representation, but majority of them do have access to the internet, and this is where Fieldoo comes in.

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How does Fieldoo change the game for these players? How can it exactly help them and their current situation?

Fieldoo increases their chances. We can’t guarantee all these players will get a transfer – at the end of the day, it’s up to them – but we can grant them a productive environment: a marketplace where they meet the right people (agents, scouts, other players…). People who can help them take the next step in their career. Don’t forget,  a footballers’ career has a time limit, so they need to do – during those years – as much as possible to play constantly and to be active.

It puts them on the football map, on the radar of the people who might help them. Fieldoo is a great promotional tool, which also has other multiple effects, which are not directly correlated to Fieldoo; for example: it also builds player’s search ranking: everyone Googles everyone and it’s important for player to be in the top of results. Fieldoo’s search optimized profile often gets to the top of Google results.

Football transfers and agents is a frequently ‘taboo’ subject, where there is plenty of controversy. Do you think Fieldoo can change the transparency in club transfers? 

We absolutely do believe Fieldoo can and will change that. The transparency is one of the things we really care about. For example, our editorial team constantly checks agents and if they state they have a license, we check it. If so, we confirm it with a “verified license” mark. Besides, shortly – both players and agents – will have an option for recommendations, so other users will see the reputation of a player/agent. We believe that Fieldoo as community will enhance transparency, reward “good guys” and punish “bad guys”. At the end of the day, nobody would like to involve with people with bad reputation; so they’ll become an isolated island from other users.

If a player was to join a club, because of Fieldoo, does Fieldoo charge a transfer payment?

We’re just a platform, or a marketplace, which has nothing to do with charging a fee for a transfer. That’s between agent, player and club. What Fieldoo will charge is an agent’s subscription (it’s free for now; while testing).

However, we have to mention revolutionary soon-to-come features “Hire an Agent”, which will allow players to motivate agents to find an appropriate club for them. On the other hand agents can make additional revenue. Player will pay certain amount to an agent, via the Fieldoo payment system, only in case of getting a new club (if not, player will get his money back). So, if transfer happens, Fieldoo will take small % of the realized payment.

Since the launch of Fieldoo, and its development and growth as a platform, what have been the hardest and major obstacles you guys have had to jump over?

Obstacles are constantly part of every business (and life in general). At the beginning there were far more doubts in the meaning and credibility, relevance of the service. But it’s something normal, you have to face it and try hard to make your platform as good as possible. However, instead of obstacles I’d rather say there are constant challenges. The most important one is to provide best possible service for our users, which is the heart and soul of Fieldoo.

Have you introduced clubs to Fieldoo?

As we’re – at the moment – a service for players and agents we haven’t actively introduced the service to clubs. Of course, we had some informal contacts and received positive feedback. But in general that’s something still waiting for us.

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In a year’s time when you look back at Fieldoo, what will you have liked to achieve?

We believe Fieldoo will become a must-have service for both players and agents seeking new opportunities and challenges in their respective careers! We’d like to become a part of player’s life: a footballer needs to think about his on-pitch performances (training, matches), nutrition etc. and we’d also like him to think – as part of his career – the same way about Fieldoo. 

Interview conducted with Dom. To find out more check Fieldoo or interact with them through on Twitter @Fieldoo.