Andy Webster returns to Hearts as Academy Manager
- The former defender moves into the role from fellow Scottish Premiership side St Mirren
- Webster made 272 appearances for Hearts over two spells and was part of 2012’s Scottish Cup-winning team
Hearts hero Andy Webster has landed an exciting new role, and with it, a highly anticipated return to his former club.
The ex-Jambos defender takes up the position of Academy Manager, a title last held by Frankie McAvoy prior to his appointment as Hearts’ Head Coach this summer.
Webster began his senior playing career with Scottish Championship side Arbroath FC in 1999 before joining Hearts in 2001. In the five years that followed, he would become a mainstay of the team, playing alongside Hearts legend and then-captain Steven Pressley.
Football Careers client Webster left the Edinburgh giants in 2006 after signing for Wigan Athletic and would go on to enjoy stints at Rangers, Dundee United, and Bristol City before making a return to Hearts in 2011.
In the seven years Webster spent as a player at the club, the skilled defender built an impressive legacy that saw him rack up 272 appearances.
41-year-old Webster scored his first European goal at the beginning of Hearts’ 2003-04 UEFA Cup campaign, contributing to a 2-0 win over Bosnia’s FK Željezničar Sarajevo. During his second spell with the Jambos, Webster was part of the team that secured a stunning 5-1 Scottish Cup final victory over rivals Hibs in 2012.
At the international level, he represented Scotland for a decade, chalking up 28 caps between 2003 and 2013.
Webster ended his professional playing career at St Mirren in 2017. Soon after, he took up a coaching role with the Scottish Premiership side and began forging a new path in football. His most recent role at the club was Head of the Professional Game, which he leaves to return to Hearts.
As Academy Manager, Webster will be tasked with spearheading the development of young talent, building a stronger pathway from youth level to the first team, and overseeing coach education.
Speaking to Hearts TV about the appointment, Webster said:
“First and foremost, I’m delighted to be back and to be given a privileged role at the football club.
“Fans across the UK — but especially at Hearts — want to see young players coming through. But you have to make sure they are relatively ready to step into that environment. And when they do get their opportunities, it’s great to see them flourishing.
“The academy has moved on dramatically since Frankie has been at the club, which is great. The foundations are now there for the academy to make massive strides forward. That’s one thing that attracted me to this role. The future is hopefully bright for the football club.”
