Gary Locke wants to be part of new Hearts era

Gary Locke believes he has become a better manager and a better man in difficult circumstances this season and reckons it is now time for clarity on his future at Hearts.

Gary Lock. Picture: Neil Hanna

Locke’s contract at Tynecastle expires in the summer and he is uncertain over whether he will be in a job next term.

With the club on the cusp of a new era under prospective owner Ann Budge, who is expected to hand over the reins to the supporters within five years, there has been speculation that Locke could be replaced.

Although Hearts were relegated, Locke won widespread praise for the way he has steered the Gorgie men through a signing embargo and 15-point deduction in the league.

He has moulded a young squad into a unit that has earned four wins and a draw from their last five outings, with Sunday’s Edinburgh derby triumph over Hibs their fourth in five meetings this season.

Having taken the same steep learning curve as his players, Locke wants his future sorted out as quickly as possible.

He said: “It’s all about Heart of Midlothian. Everybody knows what the club means to myself, it’s never been about Gary Locke. What will be, will be.

“Hopefully Ann comes in sooner rather than later because we’re getting towards the end of the season and we would like to get everything sorted. I would like to know what is happening.

“I don’t think there is anything else that could be thrown at me that I’ve not already faced. I’ve made mistakes and I’m learning all the time.”

Speaking to BBC, he added: “I’m the manager of a football club that I’ve supported all my life, so I see every day as a special day and hopefully it can continue. If not, I can always say that I’ve done my best.”

BT Sport Q&A: Rangers | Hibs | Neil Lennon

THIS week’s BT Sport video Q&A looks at whether Rangers fans will buy season tickets and if the club’s supporters will force a change of ownership.

The form of Hibs under Terry Butcher is also examined following the Easter Road side’s derby defeat while the future of Neil Lennon is also considered following the announcement that his assistant Johan Mjallby is to depart at the end of the season.

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