by Andrew Muirhead

NEW Hearts owner Ann Budge dismissed the management team of Gary Locke, Billy Brown and Alan Combe within the first hour on her first day.

Former Scotland manager Craig Levein was appointed as Director of Football.

Levein began to exert his authority in his new position as players Jamie MacDonald, Mark Ridgers,  Ryan Stevenson, Jamie Hamill, Dylan McGowan and Callum Tapping were all informed that they would be leaving the club in the summer.

Robbie Neilson has been promoted to first team head coach in what was another shock to the Hearts support.

In a statement published via the club website, Budge said: “We know it may be an unpopular decision with some of you but the board has decided that we cannot offer Gary Locke a new contract as manager, at the end of his current contract. 

“Please believe me when I say this has been an enormously difficult decision to make. We all know the pressures that Gary and his assistant, Billy Brown, have worked under over the last year. 

“They will both leave with our very grateful thanks and best wishes.

“Craig Levein will join the club with immediate effect and will assume total responsibility for everything to do with the playing side of the business.”