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Gary Locke has returned to Hearts as the club’s principal ambassador, three years after being axed as manager.
The former Tynecastle captain has left his role as manager of Cowdenbeath to take up the full-time position at the Gorgie outfit.
Locke will fill the void left by John Robertson in the commercial department after the club legend secured a surprise return to the dugout with Inverness last month.
The 42 year-old will assist director of Craig Levein in monitoring the progress of players out on loan and his remit will also include ‘building a new Ambassadors and Legends programme to support the continued growth of the club’s increasingly successful hospitality business’.
Locke only agreed to remain with the Blue Brazil at the start of June having successfully preserved the club’s SPFL status following a pyramid play-off victory over East Kilbride.
The former defender was in charge during Hearts’ year-long stint in administration but was overlooked for the manager’s role when Ann Budge completed her takeover in 2014, with Robbie Neilson appointed to the dugout.
Since leaving Hearts, Locke has also occupied the manager’s position at both Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers.
Hearts chair Budge said: “We are thrilled that Gary is back working with us in such an important role.
“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.”
