Former manager Locke returns to Tynecastle in ambassadorial role

Gary Locke has left his position as manager of Cowdenbeath to take up a principal ambassador role with Hearts.

Gary Locke has left Cowdenbeath to return to Hearts. Picture: SNS.

The 42-year-old returns to Tynecastle having previously captained and managed the Edinburgh club. His new role will involve working within the Premiership club’s commercial department.

His responsibilities will include developing Hearts’ hospitality business and assisting director of football Craig Levein in monitoring Hearts players who are out on loan with other clubs.

“We are thrilled that Gary is back working with us in such an important role,” club 
chairman and chief executive Ann Budge told heartsfc.co.uk.

“He has been a tremendous servant of the club and holds a position of great respect and affection among our 
supporters. It’s terrific to have someone of Gary’s calibre and 
experience representing Hearts in this way.”

Locke, who played for Hearts between 1992 and 2001 before managing them from 2013 to 2014, took over at Cowdenbeath in March and succeeded in keeping them in Scottish League Two.

The ex-Scotland Under-21 international, who also played for Bradford City and Kilmarnock, has also managed Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers.

Locke’s No 2 at Central Park, Billy Brown, takes over as manager with immediate effect.