Hearts today formally welcomed Billy Brown to Tynecastle, returning after nine years to become assistant manager.

And former captain Gary Locke is also back in maroon after being appointed first team coach.

Both enjoyed tremendous success during their last stint in Gorgie.

Billy was No. 2 to Jim Jefferies as Hearts secured a first major trophy in 36 years in winning the Scottish Cup in 1998.

A lifelong assistant to the manager, Billy continues his long association with Jim having worked with him at Gala Fairydean, Berwick Rangers, Falkirk, Hearts, Bradford City and Kilmarnock.

Gary played a key part in the first Jim Jefferies era, becoming the club's youngest skipper, leading his team in two Cup finals, before eventually lifting the Scottish Cup alongside Stevie Fulton in 1998.

Everyone at Tynecastle and Riccarton warmly welcomes them back to Hearts and wishes them every success.

On Hearts.TV today - Jim Jefferies and Marian Kello look forward to tomorrow's clash with Falkirk.

Hearts Text Alert subscribers learnt this news first! Text CLUB HEARTS to 88442 now! Click here for full details.