Former Hearts sporting director takes boardroom role at Scottish club as Tynecastle experience key
The former Hearts man has moved into a new role within Scottish football.
Former Hearts sporting director Joe Savage has made his next move in club football at boardroom level.
Savage was appointed to the key role at Tynecastle now occupied by Graeme Jones in 2021 after extensive experience in England with clubs like Norwich City. He left in 2024 and has since launched his own consultancy firm within football. It’s now been confirmed he will join the board of Cowdenbeath.
Previously an SPFL side, the Blue Brazil have found themselves in the Lowland League during recent years, currently 13th out of 16 teams in the newly-formed east section of the fifth tier. The former Hearts figure’s Tynecastle experience is being viewed as a major asset as they seek a return to the SPFL.
Why has Joe Savage joined Cowdenbeath?
Savage said: "It is a real honour and privilege to be joining the board of Cowdenbeath FC. As a club I know well, I look forward to helping them achieve their ambitions of getting back into the SPFL and building something the fans and community can be proud of."
Cowdenbeath state: “Cowdenbeath FC are delighted to announce that at its Board Meeting on 7th September, it was agreed that Joe Savage would be appointed as a Director of the club. Joe’s career in football has encompassed roles on and off the pitch. He enjoyed a playing career in both the senior and junior ranks. Playing as a forward, his senior clubs included East Stirlingshire. Stenhousemuir, Arbroath, Albion Rovers and East Fife.
“Joe then hung up his boots before he was 30 as he looked to take his football journey in a different direction. He initially took up a post as director of recruitment and analysis at Hamilton Accies when Alex Neil was manager. He subsequently followed Alex down south and worked further with him as chief scout at Norwich City and head of recruitment for Preston North End.
“In January 2021, Joe was appointed Sporting Director at Hearts as they won the Scottish Championship that season. At Tynecastle, he had a wide-ranging remit across the club’s football operations until he stepped down in 2024.
What was Joe Savage’s role at Hearts?
“During that period he oversaw the signings of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Beni Baningime, and many others. Hearts also qualified for Europe three years in a row through their league position - for the first time ever in the club's history. Joe was also involved in developing the club’s youth academy and created the B team for the club to have a pathway from youth to senior football.
“He also appointed Eva Olid as the Women’s Head Coach, turned the women's team professional and full time which enabled them to reach the Women's Scottish Cup final and win the Premiership last season for the first time in their history. After departing Tynecastle, Joe took a break before he started up his own football consultancy business.
“Now he has agreed to join the Cowdenbeath Board. He will contribute a welcome wealth of experience and football insight to the boardroom at Central Park. He will look to bring his skills to bear as the club seeks to take positive steps and actions to enhance its operations and its standing.”
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