The latest news from Hearts and Hibs after both clubs made key off-field appointments.

Ian Gordon has acknowledged that Hibs have undergone a major shift in their transfer strategy following the appointment of Malky Mackay as sporting director. The former SFA technical director now oversees all transfer activities at Easter Road, aiming to bring clarity and consistency to recruitment after the club’s recent struggles in the transfer market. While Gordon, the former head of recruitment, remains with Hibs, his exact role is somewhat unclear. However, he has revealed that Mackay and new head coach David Gray are focused on building a team around a ‘Scottish core and British experience.’

Speaking to The Scotsman, Gordon said, “With Malky coming in, it was clear in our discussions that we wanted to focus on a Scottish core and British experience. That remains our priority, but we also want to explore new markets. It’s about reassessing where we are. We tried to go too international, too young, too quickly. With Malky’s experience and Dave, the focus is on building around a Scottish core and British experience. A reset was necessary, and there’s evidence that this approach works in this league, and the club has a history of it.”

Former Scotland star James McFadden has shared his thoughts on Hearts’ appointment of Graeme Jones as the club’s new sporting director. McFadden, who worked with Jones during his time with the Scottish national team, praised the move and provided insight into what Hearts fans can expect. Jones, who previously held a key role as the SFA’s performance director, has taken on a comprehensive role at Tynecastle, where he will oversee all aspects of the club’s football operations, including performance, recruitment, and the academy, while also supporting both the men’s and women’s teams.