THOMAS COURTS has admitted leaving Kelty Hearts wasn't a decision he took lightly – and has backed his successor to lead them to further success.

After five years in the hotseat, the 37-year-old shocked the New Central Park club two weeks ago by tendering his resignation, despite guiding them to the top of the Lowland League, and was last week replaced by former Scotland skipper, Barry Ferguson.

His choice to leave was "reluctantly accepted" by Kelty and brought Courts' 12-year association with them to an end, which saw him enjoy two spells as a player – where he would go on to become captain – before he replaced Willie Newbigging as manager in October 2013.

With the Hearts struggling at the foot of the East Region Super League table, Courts averted relegation thanks to a play-off win over Dalkeith Thistle before, in his first full season, leading them to the title.

A second championship followed in 2016/17 before the club quit junior football for the East of Scotland League, which they went on to win last season before defeating South of Scotland counterparts, Threave Rovers, in a play-off for a place in the Lowland League.

Speaking to Times Sport, Courts said holding the post was a "privilege" and emphasised they had parted on good terms.

"It was a big decision and, based on the hundreds of texts I received, was unexpected," he explained.

"I'd been in dialogue with the club for three or four days and then I decided to follow through with my decision. I'm comfortable with it.

"In the job I always had the future in mind; what might a league club look like, and what changes we would need to make already to make that transition as smooth as possible.

"There were a couple of things that were missing and, to be fair to the club, they tried to reassure me and give me that confidence."

He added: "There was a lot of soul-searching and the club were very keen to retain me and improve on what was a very successful partnership, but I had my own reasons.

"In my thoughts already was how we could evolve into a league club; I feel that the wheels should be in motion already but the club is still in a fantastic place.

"It was very much a respectful parting of ways, and it was important for me to maintain that relationship, because I played 490 games for the club and managed in 204.

"I loved my time at the club. There are great people behind the scenes, and a group of players who represent themselves and the club with the highest level of professionalism every week.

"Any manager looking at that, and at the infrastructure and the people promoting the club, would be impressed. It's a great opportunity for someone to take the club to the next level."

Following his resignation, Courts was linked to vacancies at SPFL clubs such as Berwick Rangers, Stirling Albion and Airdrieonians, but he continued: "People may have thought I resigned and had spoke to clubs, but I can categorically say that was not the case.

"My name has been linked to other clubs in the past, but I had an arrangement in place with the club. If a club was interested, I wouldn't resign, and to be honest there's not much better than Kelty Hearts in the market place just now.

"I am ambitious and want to progress, but until the right opportunity comes up, I am prepared to be patient and continue this personal journey I have been on.

"I want to operate at the highest level, and I'm excited for the future."