Hearts chief insists Derek McInnes will have major say in summer signings and add the human touch to Jamestown data
Graeme Jones explains how new boss will have the full use of Tony Bloom's famous talent finding algorithm approach
Graeme Jones insists new boss Derek McInnes will have a major say in Hearts recruitment.
The Tynecastle sporting director led the charge to land the former Kilmarnock and Aberdeen manager and the pair will work closely to snap up new stars.
Jones is the link man with Jamestown Analytics talent scouting boffins who will be scouring the globe for fresh faces.
But McInnes will have a big input and won’t just be handed players by the recruitment team.
Jones said: "Myself and Derek are vital to the process of ensuring that the players provided by Jamestown are the correct fit. And that's obviously on the human part. Jamestown can't tell you about the human being. They can tell you on the analytics side.
“So myself and Derek, that's the fundamental part to us, to make sure that the squad that we create is filled with the right sorts of personalities and the right sorts of players that fit Derek's style and the positions that he wants.
“That's why my relationship with Derek is so important, because we're the ones that will steer those decisions.”
Hearts are braced for a huge £10m investment from Brighton supremo Tony Bloom and the sporting director is predicting a thrill ride.
Jones said: "I've been down to Jamestown and met Tony. My day-to-day dealings is with the guys at Jamestown Analytics, they're obviously in the same building, but it's a really positive relationship that's in place.
"I really enjoy every day working with them, and again, if Tony's investment comes through and the Foundation of Hearts approve it, then it's a really exciting moment for the club.
"I think he's quite a serious guy. What I noticed from Tony is he knew a lot about the club, and he knew a lot about the inner workings of the club and a lot about the direction of where we're looking to go.
“So, he takes a real interest. That's a real positive for me, because if he's taking that interest, then he is serious. Obviously, our partnership and relationship with Jamestown Analytics is a good one, and I hope it's continuing to be a good one. What fruit that can bear from there is exciting to see.”
Jones is looking forward to working alongside McInnes after securing the experienced gaffer on a four-year deal.
He said: "It's just going to be really tight. What's nice is that there has been a really genuine connection from the minute we met.
“As we all know, you get that with certain people where you just have a genuine connection.
“The fact that I had that gives a lot of confidence when you're trying to work with someone so intimately every day, that means that what's possible for me will be really exciting. And as I say, already the connection's good. We're not the same.
“I'm not a coach and he's a hugely experienced coach. So my skill set and Derek's skill set I think will complement each other perfectly. And I hope it'll create something pretty good.
“It was really clear that we're appointing somebody who's proven in Scotland. He's a proven successful coach. He's a proven leader. He's managed all different levels at clubs and been successful at all.
So the four years are a clear statement of our belief that Derek is the right person to take us forward and achieve the success that we're striving for.”