Losing a black box has all sorts of connotations, many of which are unpleasant. News reporters telling us of how the search of a black box is ongoing is usually a morbid tale of air accidents and loss of life. When you lose a black box in the context of player analytics in the game of football then you realise that maybe things are not so bad after all.

Paul Mitchell, who apparently carted his very own black box all the way from the South Coast to Hotspur Way, is to part company with Tottenham Hotspur. Of course as soon as this was announced, fans were trying to ridicule the man and whether use of this black box actually unearthed the playing talents we had hoped for. It’s an ugly fan trait. Similar to reports of “Eriksen demanding £150,000 per week” suddenly unearthing those in our fan base of the “let him leave” variety. “Not good enough anyway. We want players to play for the shirt” Oh how we turn on ourselves so quickly.

But what does Mitchell’s impending departure actually mean? And what is the “black box”? As far as I am aware the black box seems to be the porta cabin that Mitchell and his team sit in to do their work and it happens to be black. Or so it used to be at Southampton. But I could be wrong.

Why this was even a shock for Spurs fans is because that for just a little while we got comfortable

It’s all about assessing player analytics and to be honest it’s something that nearly all teams do now in a world where statistics are king. It is likely that everyone has a different name for it and Mitchell had carved out a reputation of being good at it. Players are watched, analysed and assessed. It’s “Moneyball” tailored to soccer. Those of you that saw the film of the same name will know what I mean.

Mitchell is leaving because………well we don’t actually know why although rumours will spread. He could have just been offered a better job elsewhere. He could have been getting frustrated with Levy. Or he could just have been gasping for air after being cooped up in a box for the last year or so! It doesn’t really matter. He will have his reasons and people will always come and go in football.

Why this was even a shock for Spurs fans is because that for just a little while we got comfortable. We were content with structures, stability, performances on the pitch, continuity in playing personnel and a feeling of temporary smugness. It should be noted that smugness for Spurs fans is always temporary. We wouldn’t have invented “spursy” otherwise. Mitchell’s out of the blue resignation rocked our comfort zone just as we started to kick out the recliner feet of our chairs.

It can safely be assumed that Pochettino now has a greater say on many things including which players we should be recruiting

Should we be concerned? Probably not. Yes Pochettino had a close working relationship with this chap that went back to their Southampton days, but if Poch can respect the guy’s decision then so can we. Pochettino’s job title changed recently from Head Coach to Manager. It can safely be assumed that Pochettino now has a greater say on many things including which players we should be recruiting perhaps. Levy has always preferred someone on his board to identify players that the club should target. Think Arnesen, Comolli, Pleat and now Mitchell. But now there is another level in the chain of command with Pochettino’s new role.

Pochettino has always placed major emphasis on a player’s character. It is not only about playing ability, which is a given. But a player must have the profile to suit the manager’s playing philosophy and team ethos. He knows the kind of player he wants.

A player must have the profile to suit the manager’s playing philosophy and team ethos. He knows the kind of player he wants

Mitchell hasn’t been at Spurs long enough to be really judged. In respect of recent signings it is accepted that Dele Alli was spotted by David Pleat (who seems to be still respected by Levy); Dier was signed before Mitchell arrived; Alderweireld and Janssen were established players that likely didn’t need analytical scouting. Which leaves Son, N’Jie and Wimmer. The latter has had some success and the jury is still out on the others, mainly due to untimely injuries. They may still come good however if allowed the time needed.

If indeed Mitchell was upset that the club didn’t move for Mitchy Batschuayi then he probably misunderstood his role specification. Spurs are not in the market for £30m+ players to sit on our benches, and we are never going to get into an auction for a player with the likes of Chelsea. Dispute over Jay Rodrigues has also been cited. If true then it is best remembered that this is a player that has suffered horrific long term injuries and is only just getting back into the swing of things.

So once this transfer window is over, and many of our fans will once again likely be bemoaning the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” signings that passed us by, Mitchell will be gone. I suppose either the black box and its controllers will be packed away, or perhaps it will remain and a new inhabitant will be recruited. Either way the club will continue under Pochettino’s charge and we carry on. It’s just a blip in the comfort zone for now.