Locke confirmed as Killie boss

Gary Locke has been confirmed as manager of Kilmarnock on a permanent basis after agreeing a three-year contract at Rugby Park.

The former Hearts boss has been in caretaker charge since stepping up from assistant when Allan Johnston left the club in early February.

Locke, who is also an ex-Killie player, told the club website: "I am absolutely delighted - it’s a great opportunity for me and for the club. I would like to say a huge thank you to the players as it was up to them to help me get the job and they have done just that.

"Now things have been confirmed I will be looking to put some plans in place. I would really like to bring sports science to the club - that is a key factor for me to help make us more competitive.

"We need to be producing young players - I am aware that’s what our fans would like to see. If we can make our young players quicker and stronger that will be beneficial to the club as a whole."

New Kilmarnock chairman Jim Mann added: "Over the last few weeks almost every player has come up to me and told me we need to appoint him as manager- I think that is a great testament to his man management skills and the energy he has brought to training since taking over.

"I was also conscious when hiring that we needed a long-term plan - someone who was capable of helping us develop our very own style of football ‘the Killie way’ and ensuring that it filtered down the club. After spending some considerable time with Gary over the last few months I have no doubt he is the person to do this."

Kilmarnock, who still have hopes of making the top six in the Scottish Premiership come the split later this month, face Motherwell at Rugby Park on Saturday.