Gary Locke appointed manager

Heart of Midlothian Football Club can today announce that Gary Locke has been appointed as its new manager.

After considering all shortlisted candidates the Board of the club has decided to hand the management role to Gary on a deal until the end of next season, while Edgaras Jankauskas and Darren Murray will continue to assist.

Gary will now lead the team out as manager of Heart of Midlothian Football Club against St Mirren in tomorrow's Scottish Communities League Cup Final at Hampden Park and take charge of the Jambos' final seven league games of the season prior to building for season 2013/14.

Speaking to Hearts News, Sergejus Fedotovas said: "We considered several people for the job and were close to making an appointment of what we believed to be the best of outside candidates but it was Gary Locke who scored more points among the board members and now I believe that it is right that Gary, Edgaras and Darren continue to be given an opportunity to build on the work they have begun.

"Gary clearly has the same desire as a coach that he showed as a player for the club and with the support of Edgaras, Darren and the players he has an opportunity to deliver success to the club.

"Our decision provides certainty to everyone through to the end of next season and reinforces the focus we all have in trying to achieve a special chapter in the history of this club on Sunday."

Gary has enjoyed a 14 year spell at the club as both player and coach. He made 189 competitive appearances in a maroon jersey and scored 6 goals. He, along with Stevie Fulton, lifted the Scottish Cup as captain of the Hearts side that defeated Rangers on 16th May 1998.

Returning to Tynecastle in 2010 as first team coach, Gary was part of the coaching staff who helped to mastermind the biggest victory in the club's history, when Hearts defeated Hibs 5-1 in last May's Scottish Cup Final.

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