Hearts appoint new sporting director as they raid Scottish FA for key man

EARTS have named ‘top operator’ Graeme Jones as the club’s new Sporting Director.

Jones is to step down from his role as Performance Director at the SFA to take the position.

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And he will oversee all aspects of the football department at Riccarton, leading on performance, recruitment and the academy.

The Jambos have been on the lookout for a successor to Joe Savage, who stepped down in July.

Jones, who was a key part of Steve Clark’s backroom team and led preparations towards Euro2024, was their preferred choice.

And Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKinlay admitted he was delighted to get him on board.

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.”

Jones’ footballing journey began back in 2005 when he spent three years as a sports scientist with Raith Rovers.

But he had dual roles as a sports scientist and fitness coach at the Hampden Sports Health & Injury Clinic and UEFA respectively.

Becoming the Scottish FA’s head of football science and medicine in 2015, he soon became their head of high performance then eventually performance director.

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