THE Cowden board have appointed former Raith Rovers and Hearts boss Gary Locke as their new manager.

Director David Allan said this morning: "Cowdenbeath FC can now confirm the appointment of Gary Locke as the club’s new manager.  "Gary of course had a long and successful playing career – most prominently with Hearts.  He also played with Bradford City and then had a lengthy spell with Kilmarnock. 

"He was capped 10 times by Scotland at under-21 level but his career was also interrupted by injury.  He was manager at Raith Rovers until recently and has managed at both Championship and Premier League level. 

"Gary will take charge of the team after tomorrow’s match at Berwick."  Neil Hastings together with Burton O’Brien will be in charge of the side tomorrow and the board gratefully thank them both for all their efforts and help this week. 

Gary will be in attendance at tomorrow’s game and is now actively looking to finalise his coaching team. 

Added David: "We ask all fans to give Gary a very warm welcome to Central Park and their full support as we face the major challenge that lies ahead  in the next couple of months. 

"We do believe that this is a point in time that everyone with Cowden at heart really needs to come together and focus on backing our Club over the remaining games of the season.  Please get behind Gary and the team and let’s see what we can achieve. 

"Finally, we would remind all fans that there is a Fans Meeting with the Board at 8pm on Monday night at Central Park – we also feel it is important that as many of our  fans and well-wishers as possible come along and participate on the night".