Joe Savage has made it clear that he loved his time at Hearts despite walking away from the club last year.
The former sporting director left Tynecastle in the summer after three-and-a-half years and months later Savage opened up on his Hearts exit decision as he revealed there were tears when he had the conversation with CEO Andrew McKinlay.
Much of it centred around the fact he felt he had been neglecting family life as he also opened up on some of the abuse he would get from fans at times.
Savage also revealed the new role he had taken up post-Hearts as he embarked on a new venture with his own football consultancy.
He has since been very open about a lot of things Jambos related and some of the things that went on during his tenure, setting the record straight on his relationship with Steven Naismith.
The 40-year-old also gave his thoughts on Hearts link-up with Jamestown Analytics, an innovating new partnership that came about after his exit.
The tool has been used to bring in signings Sander Kartum, Michael Steinwender, Jamie McCart and Elton Kabangu this month.
But the capital club have also sold the likes of Kye Rowles on for a profit and look set to do the same with Daniel Oyegoke.
Savage on Hearts transfer model
Savage has hailed the progress made at the club in terms of player trading, an area which has drawn criticism from fans over the years.
And he insists the club is now getting the rewards of years of hard work from him and others.
Posting on LinkedIn, he wrote: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that our strategic approach to European football and player trading is having at Hearts.
“The groundwork we laid is now yielding tangible results, and it’s exciting to see the club reaping the rewards. Competing in European group stages has not only strengthened the club financially (earning over £10m) but also elevated our players’ profiles on the international stage.
“The sales of Alex Cochrane, Kye Rowles, and Daniel Oyegoke (all signed for minimal fees) are a testament to our commitment to developing talent and creating opportunities. By combining European exposure with a strong focus on player growth, we’ve built a sustainable future for Hearts, ensuring continued success for the club and its players.
“Huge credit must go to HOR William Lancefield and his scouts Liam Henshaw, George Brown, and Declan McKean for identifying these players and recognising the key roles they would play in driving Hearts to where the club deserves to be.
“A massive thank you as well to Andrew McKinlay for having the vision and belief in what we were striving to achieve.
“This is a great club now reaping the benefits of years of hard work and endeavour!”
Ex-Hearts man Savage ready for new club
Despite initially wanting to take time away from the game with his family, Savage is now ready for his next post-Hearts move in football.
He previously told the Daily Record: “I needed to refresh and recharge my batteries. But I’ve got fire in the belly and I’m ready to go again and find the right club and the right project.
“It’s great I can give my all to my family. I felt I was becoming someone I didn’t want to become as it’s a job that is so all-consuming. I now want to go to a club that I can help build and that has a real structure and identity in place.
“I feel my record stacks up against most. I’ve completed the Level 5 for Technical Directors course with the English FA and I’ve been pretty successful. I’ve worked in the Premier League, the Championship and the Scottish Premiership. And I’ve learned a hell of a lot along the way.”