Robbie Neilson would like Hearts to bring in a director of football, but not necessarily in time for the January transfer window.
Preston North End’s former head of recruitment Joe Savage has been linked and it’s understood he’s spoken to Ann Budge about the prospect of working at Tynecastle.
The Lancashire club confirmed his departure yesterday.
Neilson prefers to work under a director of football or sporting director, having started his managerial career in Gorgie with Craig Levein in the role.
But he’s in no rush to see an appointment made, as long as it’s done in time for the summer.
“When I first came I spoke to Ann and told her it was something I’d like to get back to,” he said.
“I don’t know where we are with the situation but a few people have been interviewed and the club are keen to get one in.
“Whether we do it before the January window or later on, I’ve asked to try and get one in for the summer because that’s a big window for us.
“The January one won’t be too big. There won’t be many chances and one or two might go out, so we’ll see how it goes for the next few.
“My input has been that I’d like to get one in and get a good on in. That’s about it!
“It’s such an important role. I’ve worked with them, I’ve worked without them and I always found that you need them, especially at a club this size.
“We’ve got the academy, we’ve got the womens’ team, we’ve got a school that brings players though, we’ve got soccer schools everywhere. Under 10s to Under 18s, we’ve got a reserve team.
“It’s too much for a manager to oversee.
“My focus is the first team and making sure they win on a Saturday so we need someone else that’s going to come in and oversee the rest of them.”
