Joe Savage reveals Hearts vs Rangers regret that still bugs him as ex-sporting director opens up on next steps
Savage talked candidly about his plans for the future following Hearts, saying that there is still something that bothers him about the Robbie Neilson era at Tynecastle.
Joe Savage revealed his Hearts regret and stated that he is prepared to return to the football saddle.
Since leaving Tynecastle in July, the former sporting director has been employed as a consultant. After being promoted from the second division, Hearts finished third in the Premiership twice and in a fourth-place attempt during his tenure.
He was in charge when Hearts fell to Rangers in the Scottish Cup final in 2022 after extra time, and he continues to speculate about what may have happened if Robbie Neilson’s team hadn’t been hindered by injuries. “I am proud of the work that we all did,” the former sporting director stated. We created history by qualifying for Europe three times in a row based on our league standing.
All that was lacking was a trophy. I’m still annoyed about that one because it escaped. Despite five of our starting lineup being injured, we made it to the Scottish Cup Final. We would have defeated Rangers in extra time if we had won that game on a different day.
“Both the women’s team and the Under-18s lost to Rangers in the final. The least the fans could have hoped for was the silverware we came so close to winning. I believed I had given it my all by the end. However, when I joined the club, I wanted to make sure I left in a better state, and I did. There is no question about that.
Savage has outlined his next course of action and is now prepared to go once more. During the festive season, he told the Daily Record: “It’s great that I can give my all to my family.” Because it’s such an all-consuming job, I felt like I was turning into someone I didn’t want to be. I now want to attend a club that has a true structure and identity that I can contribute to creating.
“I believe my record compares favourably to most. I’ve finished the English FA’s Level 5 for Technical Directors training, and I’ve done fairly well. I’ve held positions in the Scottish Premiership, the Premier League, and the Championship. And I’ve gained a tonne of knowledge in the process.
“I needed to recharge and revitalise myself. However, I’m fired up and prepared to travel again in search of the ideal club and project.
