Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the departure of sporting director Joe Savage.

It emerged at the end of May that the 40-year-old would be stepping down from his role after three-and-a-half years at Tynecastle Park. The club statement said that following discussions with Andrew McKinlay, the club's chief executive, he "expressed his desire to leave his role to take some much-needed time out from the demands of the football world".

Savage's time at the club saw growth on and off the pitch with the team qualifying for European football for three consecutive seasons for the first time in the club's history. The women's team have progressed during his time while he played a role in ensuring Hearts B played in the Lowland League.

“I’d firstly like to say a big thank you to everyone I’ve worked with at the club over the past three-and-a-half years," he told the club's website. "I’ve loved my time at Hearts and it’s the people you work with that make the place special, so they all have my gratitude.

“I’d also like to thank Andrew, Steven and the board of directors for their support during my tenure, as we all worked together to drive the club forward.

“I’m the type of person who, when looking to the future, wants to be able to shake everyone by the hand and leave with my head held high. I believe that now is the right time to do that.

“A lot has changed since I came to the club. I’ve worked hard to make improvements and I think I’ve done a good job. Qualifying for Europe three years in a row, for the first time in the club’s history, is a good indicator of that, as is the women’s team’s league performance and reaching the Women’s Scottish Cup Final. The academy is going from strength to strength and I’m certain the first teams will bear the fruits of that for years to come.

“I’m not certain what the future holds for me but I’m a risk taker, so watch this space.”

McKinlay paid tribute to all the "hard work" Savage has done during his time at Tynecastle Park. He also confirmed that discussions have been had regarding what the set-up of the football department will look like going forward with the current head of recruitment Will Lancefield expected to play a key role.

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“He has been involved in many aspects of our operation at Oriam, which has allowed the football department to flourish in recent years and enjoy success on the pitch," he said.

“It is with a heavy heart that I see him go but this is the nature of the football business. People come and go but I’m glad that he is in a position to be able to leave on his own terms.

“Our attentions now turn to what happens next. Succession planning is always high on our agenda and already internal discussions have taken place with regards to how we take the football department forward in the best interests of the club. As those talks continue, I will provide updates as appropriate.”

Steven Naismith added: “I’d like to thank Joe for his efforts and support since I became head coach.

“We have seen many improvements within the football department and he’ll leave it in a good place.

“We’ve already made a lot of progress in terms of next season and we’ll continue pushing forward with that. I wish Joe every success in his next chapter.”