Joe Savage has stepped down from his role as Heart of Midlothian sporting director, the club have confirmed.
They state that "following discussions with chief executive Andrew McKinlay, Savage expressed his desire to leave his role to take some much-needed time out from the demands of the football world."
Savage joined the Jambos in January 2021, taking on a broad portfolio overseeing the club's football operations.
During his tenure, the team achieved significant success, winning the Scottish Championship title and securing European qualification on three occasions, including two third-place finishes in the Premiership.
The women's team also reached a Scottish Women's Premier League Cup final and recorded two top-four league finishes under Savage's leadership, with Eva Olid's side being well-backed.
However, after over three years with the club, Savage feels the time is right to pursue a new challenge as he told onlookers to "watch this space".
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“I’d firstly like to say a big thank you to everyone I’ve worked with at the club over the past three-and-a-half years," Savage told Hearts' official website.
"I’ve loved my time at Hearts and it’s the people you work with that make the place special, so they all have my gratitude.
“I’d also like to thank Andrew, Steven and the board of directors for their support during my tenure, as we all worked together to drive the club forward.
“I’m the type of person who, when looking to the future, wants to be able to shake everyone by the hand and leave with my head held high. I believe that now is the right time to do that.
“A lot has changed since I came to the club. I’ve worked hard to make improvements and I think I’ve done a good job. Qualifying for Europe three years in a row, for the first time in the club’s history, is a good indicator of that, as is the women’s team’s league performance and reaching the Women’s Scottish Cup Final. The academy is going from strength to strength and I’m certain the first teams will bear the fruits of that for years to come.
“I’m not certain what the future holds for me but I’m a risk taker, so watch this space.”
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CEO Andrew McKinlay confessed he was gutted to see Savage leave Tynecastle and ensured Hearts fans that a succession plan is already well underway.
He said: “I’d like to thank Joe for all of his hard work since becoming part of the Hearts family.
“He has been involved in many aspects of our operation at Oriam, which has allowed the football department to flourish in recent years and enjoy success on the pitch.
“It is with a heavy heart that I see him go but this is the nature of the football business. People come and go but I’m glad that he is in a position to be able to leave on his own terms.
“Our attentions now turn to what happens next. Succession planning is always high on our agenda and already internal discussions have taken place with regards to how we take the football department forward in the best interests of the club. As those talks continue, I will provide updates as appropriate.”
Steven Naismith, who worked closely along side Savage as Hearts head coach, commented: “I’d like to thank Joe for his efforts and support since I became head coach.
“We have seen many improvements within the football department and he’ll leave it in a good place.
“We’ve already made a lot of progress in terms of next season and we’ll continue pushing forward with that. I wish Joe every success in his next chapter.”
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