Locke gets keys to Tynecastle

Gary Locke last night confessed his appointment as manager of Hearts had come "as bit of a surprise" as he immediately set his sights on lifting the Scottish Communities League Cup this afternoon in his first match in permanent charge of his boyhood idols.

The 37-year-old was yesterday given the role until the end of next season after a three-game spell as interim manager following the sacking of John McGlynn last month.

There had been widespread speculation that former Dundee United manager, Scotland assistant and Hearts youth coach Peter Houston had been lined up to take the reins and it was thought that appointment could take place in the wake of today's final against St Mirren.

However, Locke has been given the vote of confidence and the former club captain, brought on to the coaching staff by Jim Jefferies three years ago, insists his only thought now is on helping the Gorgie side win the League Cup for the first time in 51 years.

He said: "It's certainly come as a bit of a surprise. But I've been happy with the way things have gone in the last couple of weeks and hopefully we can finish the week on the ultimate high by bringing the cup back to Tynecastle.

"John McGlynn played a huge part in getting us to the final and for me to lead the team out is a wee bit embarrassing. But it's great. I'm delighted to get my future sorted out and I'm really looking forward to the cup final."

Locke will continue to be assisted by Edgaras Jankauskas and Hearts' head of youth development, Darren Murray.

The Hearts hierarchy, still led by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, felt Locke has proved to be the best candidate for the role.

Director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "We considered several people and were close to making the appointment of what we believed to be the best of outside candidates, but it was Gary who scored more points among the board members."

Locke has guided Hearts to a derby draw with Hibernian, a win over St Johnstone and a 2-1 loss at home to Motherwell. He said: "It was important to get a bit of stability. We have to try to finish the season as well as we can, and look to rebuilding for next. I'm delighted; it's an opportunity that's come probably a wee bit earlier than expected."

Taken from the Herald