Rumour Mill: Hearts|Kenny Miller|St Mirren

Gary Locke and Billy Brown were axed by Ann Budge. Photograph: SNS

We have to back Budge, says Murray

RUTHLESS Queen of Hearts Ann Budge was right to wield the axe the Tynecastle, according to Foundation of Hearts chairman Ian Murray.

New owner Budge yesterday brought in Craig Levein as director of football and appointed Robbie Neilson coach, while showing the door to manager Gary Locke and his assistant Billy Brown, as well as players Jamie MacDonald, Jamie Hamill, Ryan Stevenson and Dylan McGowan.

Murray said: “Everyone is uncomfortable about the decision not to renew Gary’s contract. However, we need to trust in Ann to place the club on a stable financial footing.” (Daily Record)

MacDonald ‘gutted’ to leave Tynecastle after 12 years

JAMIE MacDonald admits he was left gutted and shocked after Craig Levein brought the curtain down on his 12-year Tynecastle career.

Hearts’ goalkeeper, who was voted Player of the Year, said: “I am shocked, gutted, all these things. There had been no indication of anything like this beforehand.

“Craig Levein spoke directly to me and put his views across about what the club were doing. He said the club wanted to go in a different direction and that’s their decision. I was only in there for a few minutes – when you’re told something like that you don’t really want to hang about.” (The Sun)

• Watch every goal from unforgettable Premiership finale

Hamill gone in 25 seconds

JAMIE Hamill was told he had no future at the club after a 25-second chat with Hearts’ new director of football.

The Hearts midfielder was out of contract and feared he would not be offered a new deal when he arrived at the stadium.

“I had a quick 25 seconds with Craig Levein and that was me back out the door,” he revealed. “I didn’t get any reasons. Maybe the way it was done could have been a wee bit better but it is what it is. I think it is a bit harsh, but that’s the world we live in at the moment.” (The Scotsman)

Miller in contract talks with Rangers

KENNY Miller will hold contract talks with Rangers tomorrow as he closes in on a third spell at Ibrox.

The striker’s agent Dave Baldwin is preparing to fly to Glasgow in a bid to broker a deal.

Informal talks have already taken place behind the scenes and manager Ally McCoist is keen to secure the signature of the 34-year-old hitman. (The Sun)

Lennon says he left Saints in good shape

DANNY Lennon says many clubs would be envious of the position he has left St Mirren in.

Lennon, who was sacked by the Buddies board yesterday with Dumbarton boss Ian Murray tipped to replace him, guided the Paisley side fourth ever major trophy win and two of their best league finishes in 25 years.

Lennon said: “Look at that record and you just have to ask the boards at Hearts, Dundee, Hamilton and Dunfermline – even Hibs just now – how big an achievement that is.”

Video: Neil Lennon post-match v Dundee UtdSEE ALSO:• Budge just needed green light to go with Levein