Joe can open doors for me
Neilson welcomes director Robbie Neilson insists new sporting director Joe Savage will play a key role in shaping Hearts’ success on the pitch
Savage is set to officially begin his new role tomorrow after leaving his post as head of recruitment at Alex Neil’s Preston.
The former Arbroath and Montrose player’s first task will be to find a new winger and striker for Neilson during the January transfer window.
Craig Levein previously oversaw the club’s signing strategy as director of football, then manager, before being axed over a year ago.
Club legend Jim Jefferies has been advising the board and owner Ann Budge since last summer.
But Neilson is relishing the prospect of tapping into Savage’s vast contacts south of the border.
Neilson said: “It’s great. When I first came in I spoke to Ann about the importance of getting a sporting director.
“Joe has great experience at Hamilton, Norwich and Preston – his contacts down south are second to none.
“We ’ ve ha d a few conversations about the targets we’re after and about moving some of our players out as well.
“We need s om e freshness to get us
Darren Johnstone
through to the end of the season and build for next season as well.
“I’ll speak to Joe and say I’m looking for ‘ X’ type of player.
“Joe will go and source four or five then we’ll sit down and look at them.
“I’ll make a decision and hopefully Joe will go and get the deal done.
“The recruitment side is so important nowadays.
“You need someone who can deal with agents and allow me to focus on winning on a Saturday.”
He a r t s ’ r e c r u i tment strategy has been criticised, especially during last season’s controversial relegation from the Premiership.
Frenchman Loic Damour signed a four-year deal under then-boss Levein in summer 2019 but has only made 13 league appearances.
Now Hearts are desperate to get the high- earning midfielder off their books.
Neilson admits every new signing carries an element of risk but added: “Over the course of the years we’ve recruited well at times.
“There are always ones who don’t make it.
“You have to tick as many boxes as you can in terms of bringing people in.
“There are a lot of ifs and buts when you bring someone in. It’s always a gamble and hopefully bringing in Joe means we can improve in that area.
“It allows us to maybe make fewer mistakes.”