WHO do you recruit to replace the recruiter?
That's suddenly the big question for Hearts fans heading into the summer transfer window after Joe Savage's announcement he was stepping down as sporting director.
OK, Savage's role was wider than just signing players but that was the main responsibility on which he'll be judged. And when you look across his three-and-a-half years in office at Tynecastle you have to say he did a superb job.
As a rule of thumb I reckon if you get 60 per cent of signings right then you're doing remarkably well.
Savage must be well above that percentage though.
Both Robbie Neilson and Steven Naismith spoke about their strong relationship with Joe and their trust in the recruitment system. That speaks volumes.
There have been top bracket signings. Lawrence Shankland stands out above all others for obvious reasons. As good a signing as Hearts will make.
Then there's the excellent additions of Frankie Kent, Beni Baningime, Kye Rowles, Zander Clark, Alan Forrest and Robert Snodgrass who, I will argue with anyone, was a top recruit.
Other successes include Cammy Devlin, Barrie McKay, Alex Cochrane, Josh Ginnelly, Ellis Simms, Kenneth Vargas, Nat Atkinson and Calem Nieuwenhof.
This story is from the June 05, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 05, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCARYTALE STUFF FOR LAWRENCE
Missed pen is latest chapter in Shanks' grim season
You dig in and find a way to get a result..that IS the Celtic Way
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON knows there has always been a demand for Celtic to play in a swashbuckling style.
Higgins: My nerves were shot
Wizard beaten by Trump in tense decider
Sea barge hell as storm hits wind farm site
Hundreds of workers claim they were nearly 'starving'
MY KIDS QUEST
Big-hearted businessman launches charity to help give young people second chance
CPS failed Al-Fayed victims.. just like they did with Savile
Fiends could have been prosecuted, says ex-cop
WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THE UK'S GREEN GOALS
ScottishPower has honoured those who are helping it on its green journey
Arran's recovery is amazing
Schoolboy's family praise hero medics and emergency workers
I first gambled aged 15 ..now I have lost £250,000
Chasing high of winning took Colin to brink of suicide
We won't abandon elderly
SCOTS pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 in winter fuel payments next year from the SNP government.