James McFadden delivered some encouraging words for Hearts fans as he delivered a glowing appraisal of the club’s new sporting director Graeme Jones.
The Scotland hero worked alongside Jones for a period of time with the Scotland national team and knows exactly what he will bring in his new position at Tynecastle.
Jones was appointed Hearts sporting director on Wednesday and will leave his post as the SFA’s performance director as a result.
He will spearhead the footballing operations at the Jambos, overseeing “all aspects of the club’s football department, leading on performance, recruitment, academy and supporting both men’s and women’s team footballing matters”, as per the official Hearts website.
McFadden hails ‘organised’ Graeme Jones
Speaking on the latest Open Goal podcast, McFadden has given Jones his full backing and shared an insight into how he operates and what he can bring to the table in Gorgie.
“I worked with him. He gets things done. He’s across everything whether it be the players, the sports science side of the game, the organisation – he’s a great help to everybody.
“He’s a great person for the players, he’ll be good for the board, he’ll be great for Stevie Naismith. They have a relationship so that should help him (Naismith).
“He’s been the Head of Performance for the SFA. I think the stuff that he’ll have to deal with, he’s well suited to it. Look, I like him a lot so I’m obviously going to praise him. I think it’s a good appointment for Hearts.
“He knows where the boundaries are. He’ll not overstep and say ‘you should be playing him, you should be playing him’.
“He’s not somebody that says ‘I know everything, I can do everything’. He’s somebody that can organise and say ‘we need this, we need that, we’re strong or we’re weak here, I know this guy so we’ll bring him in.’
“He’ll get the right people in and allow them to do their jobs, but make sure they are doing their jobs.”
Steve Clarke on Jones to Hearts
Scotland boss Steve Clarke was asked about Jones’ departure from the SFA at a recent press conference and delivered his thoughts.
Clarke said: “He’s going to be a big miss for me. He has been an integral part of the staff since I got there. Graeme obviously got into that position before I came in. He was first put in that position with Alex McLeish.
“If I am being honest, I think it’s not because of them, but circumstances across, we have always tried to build and build. I think it helps us qualify for tournaments. The bosses here give us a little bit more money. It allows us to push the boat out a little bit.
“Graeme’s input has been fantastic. Like everyone else, career moves come along. He had to make a decision on a career move, whether to stay with the association or try his hand at a club job.
“He has chosen to do that. We wish him well. He will be here for the next two camps after this one anyway. We are grateful for everything he has done.”