Key articles
You are here for a reason, and for most people that reason is to learn more about GBE and ESC. All of the articles on the platform are obviously connected to this topic, but some are specifically designed to give you key information, and most of them are free!
The purpose of this page is to make these specific pieces easier for you to access. They are in chronological order as well so the most recent pieces are actually at the bottom of the page.
Hopefully, this can be a useful resource for you on your journey through GBE and ESC recruitment.
GBE in the Home Nations
So we have learned that GBE and ESC are a vital part of the recruitment framework in England, but what about the situation in the other UK countries?
GBE in the Women's Game
So far the content and exploration in the 12 Days of GBE has concentrated on the men’s game. However, Brexit was all-encompassing and also came through at a time in which the women’s game in the UK was growing at a historically fast rate.
GBE for Managers & Backroom Staff
"I can confirm I will not join Barnsley FC because of the (permit) disaster.”
The ESC Slots: Who could convert and who needs a new plan?
The introduction of ESC in summer 2023 shook up the whole foreign recruitment plan for English clubs. For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of ESC you may want to check out the Basics of ESC article that was published right at the beginning of this platform.
Sporting Directors & The GBE Rules
When Boris Johnson’s signature was finally inked onto the Brexit papers, little did football fans in this country know that their future players, managers, and, even, backroom staff would be denied entry to work in their clubs.
Records Are Broken in The Championship: The January Window Reviewed
In a similar way to recruitment teams all over the country, I have had time to take stock of all of the moving and shaking over the transfer window in the English mens’ leagues.
Fewer Premiership minutes for Scottish players? The Scotland GBE Situation: Part 1
Every single Scottish constituency voted to Remain in the Brexit referendum back in 2016.
ESC and EFL League Two: A big recruitment opportunity
During this League Two week I have intimated a couple of times that the fourth tier doesn’t traditionally see much foreign recruitment.
League One Recruitment: The frontier for GBE signings this summer
When the FA introduced their post-Brexit immigration structure for football in December 2020, League One clubs would've been forgiven for shooting it a quick glance, deciding that it wasn't for them, and never bothering to check the paperwork again.
NEW FA POINTS BASED SYSTEM CRITERIA 25/26 BREAKDOWN
The biggest day of the year from a GBE Expert Hub perspective has arrived!
2025/26 WOMEN'S GBE POINTS BASED SYSTEM CRITERIA RELEASED
I reviewed the women’s game GBE rules way back on 4th December 2024, but now the FA have produced an updated version of the rules for the forthcoming season.
Hopefully these articles have really helped your knowledge of the rules around foreign recruitment, if so, it would be great if you would consider supporting our work by becoming a paid member of the site.
Moreover, if you believe that we could help you in a more bespoke way, we are always ready to have a chat. Contact us via message.
