Gary Locke seeks new club following Hearts exit

Former Hearts boss Gary Locke has told BBC Scotland he wants to get back into management as soon as possible.

Locke was told on Monday by the club's new owner Ann Budge that he would not be part of the coaching staff under director of football Craig Levein.

The 38-year-old won the Scottish Premiership manager of the month award for April.

"I love being involved on Saturdays and hopefully that can continue," said Locke.

"There aren't a lot of opportunities out there, unfortunately.

"I just hope that the phone rings in the next couple of weeks and that Gary Locke can get himself back into football because that's what I love to do."

Locke was installed as Tynecastle manager midway through last season and, after the club incurred a 15-point deduction for going in to administration before the current campaign, he could not prevent relegation.

However, the youthful Hearts side improved in the last few weeks of the season and, but for the points penalty, would have avoided the drop.

Former Hearts manager Levein will oversee football matters at the club under Budge's new structure with another former Tynecastle player, Robbie Neilson, the new head coach.