Billy back as No. 2

01.07.2013

Former Hearts No. 2 Billy Brown has agreed to return to Tynecastle - free of charge.

The ex-assistant, who left the club when Jim Jefferies exited in August 2011, returns to Gorgie for his third spell as assistant manager having also previously been at Jefferies' side when the Edinburgh club captured the 1998 Scottish Cup.

He will help manager Gary Locke during the Jambos' pre-season training schedule.

Gary was first team coach at Tynecastle alongside the duo prior to their departure two years ago and is delighted to be able to call on someone of Billy's experience.

"It's an absolute no-brainer for me," Gary told Hearts News.

"It's not often you get the chance to get someone of Billy's experience and he's offered to come in and help me out during pre-season which is a magnificent gesture.

"I can't do it all on my own and it's obvious I'll need a help so to have Billy in here is a great help. I can't afford to bring in an assistant and it's a measure of the man that Billy was only too willing to help out without getting paid.

"He's someone I obviously know very well and I'm delighted to have him here. We are all in this together."

Billy, who had spells as Easter Road No. 2 - he was at Hibs when Hearts triumphed 5-1 in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final - and then East Fife manager after leaving Hearts, was due to meet the players this morning before taking his first training session today alongside Gary.

Hearts World