'Risk taker' Joe Savage leaves Hearts: Reasons revealed for exit as succession plan laid out

Savage joined Hearts in 2021 and has been part of recent success in Gorgie, being present for the Championship title triumph and two third-placed finishes in the top flight. However, speculation grew earlier this year that Savage would leave Hearts this summer and the move was confirmed on Thursday morning.

An official statement from the club read: "Joe Savage has stepped down as Sporting Director of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Following discussions with Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKinlay, Joe expressed his desire to leave his role to take some much-needed time out from the demands of the football world.

"Joe took up his post with the Jambos in January 2021, with a wide-ranging remit across the club’s football operations. With a Championship title win and three successive European football finishes, including two SPFL Premiership third places, and a Women’s cup final and two successive SWPL fourth places, Joe feels the time is right to move on."

Savage said: “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. 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 [chief executive] Andrew [McKinlay], [head coach] Steven [Naismith] 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.”

McKinlay confirmed that the search for a replacement for Savage has begun, stating: “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.”

Naismith added: “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.”