Joe Savage leaves Hearts ( updated )

[cheetah]

18 hours ago, John Findlay said:

Thanks for your time at Hearts Joe.

 

 

All we asked was that he did his best. 😋

[Shooter McGavin]

1 hour ago, JamboAl said:

Only a zoomer would believe Savage was instrumental in Shanks' signing when Neilson had him at DUFC - and of course the manager always has the final say.

He quite literally was instrumental in Shanks signing 😂
 

Neilson wanted him, it was then handed over to Savage to deal with his agent, speak to the club, negotiate a price, negotiate the wages etc. 

 

That was pretty much his key role at the club.

[Bill Sikes]

30 minutes ago, Lone Striker said:

Do you actually watch  any Hearts matches ?    Or are you just on the wind-up ?

 

All of them.

 

The standard of Football isn't great, to kid on it is, is delusional.

 

 

 

 

 

[cosanostra]

37 minutes ago, Bad Religion said:

I’m unsure of your use of the word ‘efficient’ but at least you seem to agree that the overall quality of signings has improved since Joe has been at the club. 

 

Definitely agree. I think he'll be a loss.

[Lone Striker]

8 minutes ago, Bull's-eye said:

 

All of them.

 

The standard of Football isn't great, to kid on it is, is delusional.

 

 

 

 

 

What other club's "standard" of football  would you like us to copy or match ?

 

 

Edited July 20, 2024 by Lone Striker

[JamboAl]

26 minutes ago, Shooter McGavin said:

He quite literally was instrumental in Shanks signing 😂
 

Neilson wanted him, it was then handed over to Savage to deal with his agent, speak to the club, negotiate a price, negotiate the wages etc. 

 

That was pretty much his key role at the club.

But he was a Neilson signing.

So what if Savage was involved?  The typist who typed up the contract was alos instrumental by that reasoning.

[Bill Sikes]

11 minutes ago, Lone Striker said:

What other club's "standard" of football  would you like us to copy or match ?

 

 

 

Id rather we didnt copy anybody and came up with a masterplan to excite the support and win every week.

 

Back in the real world the standard of Football on show is poor.

 

In fact, I'd say the level of frustration emanating from the stands last season is some of the worse ive heard for years.

 

Just to clarify for the hard of thinking, frustration is different from abuse.

 

 

[soonbe110]

3 hours ago, Shooter McGavin said:

At the end of the day, he might not have actively been out scouting the players, but he was the guy tasked with selling the club to players, getting the deals over the line and getting them in the door.

Shanklands relationship with Neilson was primary reason  he came to Hearts. Recruitment team thought he was a poor signing at the time. 

[soonbe110]

55 minutes ago, Shooter McGavin said:

He quite literally was instrumental in Shanks signing 😂
 

Neilson wanted him, it was then handed over to Savage to deal with his agent, speak to the club, negotiate a price, negotiate the wages etc. 

 

That was pretty much his key role at the club.

Eventually it happened. After weeks of procrastination because the recruitment team didn’t think his stats were good enough and they could find better but didn’t.  The procrastination between manager and recruitment team cost us a lot of players at that time, Satka, Koroma and Hirst being some of the other players that Neilson thought he was getting that never turned up. 

[Shooter McGavin]

21 minutes ago, JamboAl said:

But he was a Neilson signing.

So what if Savage was involved?  The typist who typed up the contract was alos instrumental by that reasoning.

It’s okay mate, if you don’t think the person who speaks to agents, speaks to clubs, manages our transfer budget, negotiates the fees and wages, is instrumental in signing players then that’s cool.

 

Also, I’ve never suggested Savage’s job was to find players if that’s the angle you’re trying to take here.

[Shooter McGavin]

12 minutes ago, soonbe110 said:

Shanklands relationship with Neilson was primary reason  he came to Hearts. Recruitment team thought he was a poor signing at the time. 

First of me hearing anything like that, if I’m honest.

 

If there’s any sources or articles you could direct me to to have a look into that it would be much appreciated 👍🏻

[JamboAl]

17 minutes ago, Shooter McGavin said:

It’s okay mate, if you don’t think the person who speaks to agents, speaks to clubs, manages our transfer budget, negotiates the fees and wages, is instrumental in signing players then that’s cool.

 

Also, I’ve never suggested Savage’s job was to find players if that’s the angle you’re trying to take here.

The angle I'm taking is that JS seems to have provided the support work which he would have done if we'd signed Joe Bloggs and maybe someone else in his position could have negotiated terms more beneficial to Hearts.  We'll never know.

You seemed to claim the signing was a Savage signing.

The identification was , more than likely, down to Neilson, and as Head Coach he would have had the final say anyway.

Edited July 20, 2024 by JamboAl

[Bad Religion]

11 minutes ago, Shooter McGavin said:

First of me hearing anything like that, if I’m honest.

 

If there’s any sources or articles you could direct me to to have a look into that it would be much appreciated 👍🏻

He is a fantasist.  

[john thomas]

34 minutes ago, Bull's-eye said:

 

Id rather we didnt copy anybody and came up with a masterplan to excite the support and win every week.

 

Back in the real world the standard of Football on show is poor.

 

In fact, I'd say the level of frustration emanating from the stands last season is some of the worse ive heard for years.

 

Just to clarify for the hard of thinking, frustration is different from abuse.

 

 

It really isn't.

When fans get frustrated they abuse players/team .

When 'hard of thinking' phrase is used you can almost guarantee BS is on its way 

[Shooter McGavin]

3 minutes ago, JamboAl said:

The angle I'm taking is that JS seems to have provided the support work which he would have done if we'd signed Joe Bloggs and maybe someone else in his position could have negotiated terms more beneficial to Hearts.  We'll never know.

You seemed to claim the signing was a Savage signing.

The identification was , more than likely, down to Neilson, and as Head Coach he would have had the final say anyway.

I have never claimed he was a Savage signing.

 

If you think anybody can takeover his position, and deal with agents, clubs, budgets, negotiations, then you’ll need to get your application in.

 

In a way, I kind of wish recruitment in football is as simple as it is in your head 😂

[Penrices left boot]

1 hour ago, GinRummy said:

So what are all those departments and people going to do come Monday when he’s not there anymore. Surely the whole club will be really badly affected until we find a replacement.  
 

 

 

Not if everyone continues to do their day to day job in the short term.

Be Moreton OK.

 

Long term having no one in charge would have a bad effect,  as it would on any business. 

 

Can't believe that needs explained.

 

Be like an area manager leaving, in short term the local teams get on with it and pick up a bit slack,  but long term culture, kpi's, accountability etc would go to the way side.

 

Really isn't rocket science. 

 

 

[GinRummy]

Just now, Bazzas right boot said:

 

Not if everyone continues to do their day to day job in the short term.

Be Moreton OK.

 

Long term having no one in charge would have a bad effect,  as it would on any business. 

 

Can't believe that needs explained.

 

Be like an area manager leaving, in short term the local teams get on with it and pick up a bit slack,  but long term culture, kpi's, accountability etc would go to the way side.

 

Really isn't rocket science. 

 

 

I doubt he’ll be replaced. Don’t get me wrong the club was in a bit of a mess when he took over and he was no doubt a massive factor in fixing it. 
 

I can’t see why McKinlay and the recruitment guys can’t take it from here and I’m pretty sure that’s what will happen.  

[Penrices left boot]

2 hours ago, Des Lynam said:

Logs into JKB. 

 

Yip, gets the expert advice in-

 

Legal

Finance 

Transfers

Wumunz team

Tactics and formation 

Medical 

Stadium expansion 

Hotel fire safety

( list is not exhaustive)

 

Then after sifting through it all he passes on the advice to the relevant folk.

 

Better he does this than 20 folk waste their time looking for their area.

 

 

[Penrices left boot]

1 minute ago, GinRummy said:

I doubt he’ll be replaced. Don’t get me wrong the club was in a bit of a mess when he took over and he was no doubt a massive factor in fixing it. 
 

I can’t see why McKinlay and the recruitment guys can’t take it from here and I’m pretty sure that’s what will happen.  

 

Nah, I think  we'll get someone else in, in some capacity.

 

Big role.

Can't punt it to a director or on to Naismith. 

 

 

[GinRummy]

Just now, Bazzas right boot said:

 

Nah, I think  we'll get someone else in, in some capacity.

 

Big role.

Can't punt it to a director or on to Naismith. 

 

 

We’ll see. I think the biggest thing he’s done is put the structures in place we have now. Just keep in place what he’s set up and we’ll be fine. 

[innerjambo]

Pretty sure he will be replaced. The club don't seem inclined to take any shortcuts these days, which is the right thing to do.

[Jim Panzee]

2 minutes ago, GinRummy said:

We’ll see. I think the biggest thing he’s done is put the structures in place we have now. Just keep in place what he’s set up and we’ll be fine. 

Would agree. JS put the operating model in place. It can be left as is for the short to mid term - but no longer as it still requires someone in the role to provide strategic leadership and adjust to keep it working well

[JamboAl]

16 minutes ago, Shooter McGavin said:

I have never claimed he was a Savage signing.

 

If you think anybody can takeover his position, and deal with agents, clubs, budgets, negotiations, then you’ll need to get your application in.

 

In a way, I kind of wish recruitment in football is as simple as it is in your head 😂

I didn't say anybody.  I didn't say I could.

but you go on glorifying JS.

[Jambo in Bathgate]

27 minutes ago, innerjambo said:

Pretty sure he will be replaced. The club don't seem inclined to take any shortcuts these days, which is the right thing to do.

I’m sure he will too! It’s a very important role at the club. 

[soonbe110]

1 hour ago, Shooter McGavin said:

First of me hearing anything like that, if I’m honest.

 

If there’s any sources or articles you could direct me to to have a look into that it would be much appreciated 👍🏻

I could give you a few sources just can’t give you their names. 

[Taffin]

Savage had a really important role and was good at it.

 

He'll need replaced.

 

He isn't a scout.

 

The Head Coach doesn't have the final say on signings.

 

 

[soonbe110]

1 hour ago, Bad Religion said:

He is a fantasist.  

The sad folk are the ones that call others  names because they have nothing better to say. 

[soonbe110]

2 minutes ago, Taffin said:

Savage had a really important role and was good at it.

 

He'll need replaced.

 

He isn't a scout.

 

The Head Coach doesn't have the final say on signings.

 

 

Previous head coach didn’t.  Current head coach didn’t for a while but does now. That is the crux of the issue. 

[Taffin]

31 minutes ago, soonbe110 said:

Previous head coach didn’t.  Current head coach didn’t for a while but does now. That is the crux of the issue. 

 

Not a chance, imo. Will always be a board member.

[Bad Religion]

4 minutes ago, soonbe110 said:

The sad folk are the ones that call others  names because they have nothing better to say. 

No, the sad folk are the middle aged men on here that peddle bullshit to suit their own personal agendas in desperate attempt look in the know. 

[soonbe110]

10 minutes ago, Bad Religion said:

No, the sad folk are the middle aged men on here that peddle bullshit to suit their own personal agendas in desperate attempt look in the know. 

Sorry, thought you were referring to me but obviously not 😂😂

[Lone Striker]

9 hours ago, Bull's-eye said:

 

Id rather we didnt copy anybody and came up with a masterplan to excite the support and win every week.

 

Back in the real world the standard of Football on show is poor.

 

In fact, I'd say the level of frustration emanating from the stands last season is some of the worse ive heard for years.

 

Just to clarify for the hard of thinking, frustration is different from abuse.

 

 

If you reckon the level of frustration etc coming from fans last season was "the worst you've heard for years",  you've either got a  memory problem or  else you've not been going to Hearts games  for very long.  

 

2 recent examples -   most of  season  2019/20 ..... and Robbie's persistence with "the Snodgrass tactic"  in 2022.

[Toxteth O'Grady]

12 hours ago, GinRummy said:

It’s been explained a few times what he was in charge of and the contract negotiations part. 
 

What I don’t get is what he actually done on a day to day basis. During the transfer window I could see him being busy but out with that, he comes into his work on a Monday morning sits at his desk…then what?

Googled “Celtic gossip”

[Bill Sikes]

41 minutes ago, Lone Striker said:

If you reckon the level of frustration etc coming from fans last season was "the worst you've heard for years",  you've either got a  memory problem or  else you've not been going to Hearts games  for very long.  

 

2 recent examples -   most of  season  2019/20 ..... and Robbie's persistence with "the Snodgrass tactic"  in 2022.

 

 

The Snodgrass nonsense was only for a few games at Tynecastle, for the majority of the season we where cruising it.

 

Anyway, as you've gone personal you'll be pleased to know you've joined the ignore list.

[Lone Striker]

18 minutes ago, Bull's-eye said:

 

 

The Snodgrass nonsense was only for a few games at Tynecastle, for the majority of the season we where cruising it.

 

Anyway, as you've gone personal you'll be pleased to know you've joined the ignore list.

If at least 8  is "only  a few games", then you're right.

  

[FarmerTweedy]

15 hours ago, Bull's-eye said:

He's no longer at the club and sorry to say it but i haven't seen anything remarkable about his tenure.

 

Football is still as dull as dishwater, we can quite clearly attract better players these days due to financial security and fantastic management by the Board above him.

 

If his job was to improve the Football side of the business then id say hes failed, also allowed a manager to lose the plot completely under his watchful eye.

 

Overall gets pass marks but with an empty trophy cabinet nothing to write home about.

 

Appreciate the hard work and hope you are happier elsewhere. Bye.

 

 

It's quite remarkable how much you've posted on this thread while having not the faintest idea at all about what Savage actually did at the club (as you've repeatedly demonstrated with what you've said)!  FYI, Savage wasn't in charge of managers, they report directly to McKinlay.

[FarmerTweedy]

11 hours ago, GinRummy said:

I doubt he’ll be replaced. Don’t get me wrong the club was in a bit of a mess when he took over and he was no doubt a massive factor in fixing it. 
 

I can’t see why McKinlay and the recruitment guys can’t take it from here and I’m pretty sure that’s what will happen.  

That's not what will happen. You not knowing what Savage's job was doesn't mean he hardly did anything. 

[GinRummy]

2 hours ago, FarmerTweedy said:

That's not what will happen. You not knowing what Savage's job was doesn't mean he hardly did anything. 

Nobody knows what will happen and that’s including you. I never once said he hardly did anything either. 

[Bill Sikes]

5 hours ago, FarmerTweedy said:

It's quite remarkable how much you've posted on this thread while having not the faintest idea at all about what Savage actually did at the club (as you've repeatedly demonstrated with what you've said)!  FYI, Savage wasn't in charge of managers, they report directly to McKinlay.

 

Really, lots of posters have posted his job description. That's one thing I haven't done. In actual fact I've said as nobody knows his specific roles within the club its not good form to be slagging him off for success or failure. 

Your bombshell that the Director of Football having no control over the manager will upset a lot that's for sure.

 

Or you could of course be making that up to look important. I think we both know the answer to that. 

[HoGwash]

7 hours ago, Bull's-eye said:

 

Really, lots of posters have posted his job description. That's one thing I haven't done. In actual fact I've said as nobody knows his specific roles within the club its not good form to be slagging him off for success or failure. 

Your bombshell that the Director of Football having no control over the manager will upset a lot that's for sure.

 

Or you could of course be making that up to look important. I think we both know the answer to that. 

He's not making it up. Hearts were very clear on the structure and reporting lines when Joe Savage was appointed. 

[zeke1874]

I'm not sure what Joe actually did and I don't need to know. Either way he was an important employee of the club during a successful period. 3 seasons in a row qualifying for Europe is success for Hearts based on the past...

Hopefully the board will have someone else to come in and keep everything running smoothly.

Not sure what Joe's next move is but a bit weird he's left when everything is going well.. could be personal reasons or maybe he just fancies a break. But he seemed a very ambitious person so strange he's left unless he's got his eye on something else.

[RobNox]

10 hours ago, HoGwash said:

He's not making it up. Hearts were very clear on the structure and reporting lines when Joe Savage was appointed. 

Yeah, both Sporting Director and Manager report to the CEO.  Every other department of the footballing operation reports to the SD, but the first team manager does not.

 

The SD works with the first team manager to ensure that the rest of the footballing operation is aligned to the manager's strategy and vision.  That strategy and vision will have been endorsed by the Club Board, or rather a sub-committee of the Board, who made the decision to appoint the manager.

 

 

[pettigrewsstylist]

Good luck to the guy and thankyou to him for his efforts. If he doesnt want to be part of us going forward thats his call to make.

[Rick Sanchez]

I doubt we'll get the truth but a new recruit this window would have been nice.

[SMJ_1874]

8 hours ago, Rick Sanchez said:

I doubt we'll get the truth but a new recruit this window would have been nice.

You can’t handle the truth! 

[Hashimoto]

A few months down the road from Joe's resignation and from what I see no nearer to making an appointment.

Why did Joe resign? Was he embroiled in a power struggle with other prominent people at the club? Does Naismith firmly believe that he does not need a DoF?
and therefore he is the one calling the shots. As such holding too much power IMO

There has not been one decent result since the last game of the past season, A game which was effectively a nothing game as Sevco had a final to contest the following week  

Results and performances suggest that Savage knew what was around the corner. He had effectively lost his influence at the club. 

All speculation IMO.

[Finlay James]

I know Joe’ family.  Apparently there is nothing sinister in why he has left, it’s simply that he wants a break and a new challenge.

[kila]

Who will the board go to for advice on a replacement DoF?

 

I fear Budge will have a say in this still... 

[lost in space]

The board had to make a decision - Savage or Naismith - and chose the wrong one.

Not ITK - but I would not be surprised if that was the reason.   

There is something wrong IMO - a new Sporting Director should have been in place for the 1st of August to handle the last month of the summer transfer window.

[JamboJoker98]

It's all a bit of a muddle, over 3 months now waiting on a new Sporting director now we're in a position that if things don't turn around we'll need a new manager as well, so who are we bringing in first and who's making that decision. Manager continuity and signing was the SD's remit after all.