Robbie Neilson has explained exactly how William Lancefield will fit into Hearts ’ recruitment structure.
The former Norwich City and Southampton scout has been confirmed as the new head of recruitment at Tynecastle.
Having previously worked with sporting director Joe Savage, Lancefield has been brought in to oversee the Jambos’ scouting south of the border.
Lancefield won’t be based in Edinburgh, but rather will remain in London and Neilson has explained the thinking behind that decision.
He said: “Obviously we have scouts in Scotland. I watch games, my staff watch games and Joe watches games up here so I think that market down there is really important for us.
‘So instead of sending somebody down every single week, we felt it would be better for him to be based down there. He can then go to games and report back and go and meet people as well.
“It was more just the logistical side of things rather than bringing him up and then driving or flying down every week.
“Joe knows him very well. He had him at Norwich and then he was headhunted by Southampton, so he’s got the experience.
“The main thing for us is he knows the market down there. He’s got contacts, he knows the players.
“We brought in George Brown to do the data analytics as well so the two of them combining will hopefully be able to improve the recruitment and get the players in that we need.”
