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
Red Sand Dan is still giving me top tips!
RONAN HALE will know he is a well-kent face in Scotland when Ross County supporters start tattooing it to their bodies.
Scoring is a fine Art..and it has deserted us
Arsenal boss Mikel knows his team must hit back of the net
PENSIONER'S 16 MONTH BAN FOR DRIVING DOWN ROAD WRONG WAY
OAP 84 narrowly avoided a head-on crash
Crimper to stars Sorbie dies aged 75
Stylist loses bowel cancer battle
Catalan chaos in flash floods
RESIDENTS in the Catalan town of Cadaques began a mass clear-up yesterday, after Spain was hit by another weather disaster.
Israeli fans in clashes at Dutch Uefa match
Attacks branded anti-Semitic
Thai-snared paedo jailed for historic abuse of girls
A PAEDOPHILE who was extradited from Thailand to face charges of historic child sexual abuse has been jailed for more than three years.
Kate's back to honour sacrifice
Princess at weekend services
Scots nurse dies after taking the 'King Kong' of weight-loss drugs
Tragic hospital worker Susan suffered multiple organ failure after taking Mounjaro.
DON GET MAD..GET EVEN
Trump rivals scared of revenge