Graeme Jones appointed Hearts sporting director as Tynecastle chief hails 'top operator'

Graeme Jones has been appointed as Hearts' new sporting director.

Jones leaves his role as head of performance at the Scottish FA to take over from Joe Savage at Tynecastle. Savage quit earlier this summer after three-and-a-half years overseeing the capital club's football department, as well as playing a key role in player recruitment. Jones' job in Gorgie will be slightly different, focusing on the performance of the football department as a whole given his background in sports science and medicine.

Jones stepped down from his role at Hampden to make the move to Hearts, and will start work after his notice period is complete. Jambos chief exec Andrew McKinlay revealed that Jones was the top choice following the recruitment process that began following Savage's exit. He said: “I’m extremely pleased that Graeme has agreed to join us as our new Sporting Director. The role is a pivotal one within the football club and, as such, it was crucial that our recruitment process was thorough, not rushed, and focused on finding the right individual.

“In Graeme, I believe we have that individual. He has huge experience in the game across many different functions, and his reputation within the Scottish FA is peerless.

“We’re getting a top operator, someone with the determination and the ability to drive standards as high as they can possibly be and I’m certain the club will reap the benefits of having Graeme as its Sporting Director.”