Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm the appointment of Andrew Webster as the club’s new Academy Manager.
A Scottish Cup winner during his playing days with the Jambos, Andrew leaves his role as St Mirren’s Head of the Professional Game to take up his new role at Hearts.
Andrew will oversee all aspects of the club’s Football Academy at Oriam, with overall responsibility for coach education, developing young talent and continuing to build the pathway from youth level to first team.
A familiar face to those of a maroon persuasion, Andrew knows what it takes to make an impact at Tynecastle Park. A 2001 signing from Arbroath aged 18, it didn’t take long for the centre half to establish himself at first team level, going on to make 184 appearances and win international recognition for Scotland.
A series of moves saw him turn out for Wigan Athletic, Rangers, Bristol City and Dundee United, where he won the Scottish Cup, before he returned to Gorgie in February 2011.
The following campaign saw Andrew enter the history books as part of the legendary 2012 Scottish Cup winning team, who brushed Hibs aside 5-1 in the final to lift the trophy at Hampden.
After 88 appearances – 272 in total over two spells - he moved on to spend the final seasons of his playing career at Coventry City and St Mirren, and it was at the Buddies where he would take his first steps into coaching by working with the club’s U18s, U20s and Reserve teams.
As Head of the Professional Game, Andrew worked closely with the aforementioned squads, overseeing coaching, player development and supporting their transition to the first team.
He now returns to Hearts once again to take up the mantle of Academy Manager, a key role in the football department.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew back to Hearts in the capacity of Academy Manager.
“Frankie McAvoy did a great job during his near 18-months in the role before becoming the club’s Head Coach, and it was vital that we brought in someone who could not only carry on that good work but take it even further forward.
“In Andrew, we believe we have that person. He has amassed tremendous experience at St Mirren and, of course, this is a place he knows extremely well thanks to his hugely successful playing career here.
“We’re excited to have him on board and looking forward to him utilising his skills for the benefit of our Football Academy.”
