SMART GUY LAUNCHES AI PLAN TO AID CLUBS

FORMER Rotherham, Hull and Sheffield Wednesday defender Guy Branston has launched a new AI venture that he says will revolutionise the way clubs engage with their fans.

- Chris Dunlavy

Branston, 45, made over 400 career appearances for a variety of clubs throughout the EFL before retiring in 2014.

He subsequently worked as chief scout at Notts County, director of football at Chesterfield and loans manager at Leicester before becoming a licensed agent in 2023.

Now the ex-centre-half has launched an AI bot named Mai that he says can help clubs speak to thousands more fans and even reach a global audience.

Rotherham and Premiership Rugby side Leicester Tigers have already signed up to the service named Sports AI Consultants, and Branston says talks are underway with several other sports clubs.