Legendary Hearts man Gary Locke has been awarded a testimonial after two decades of service at Tynecastle.
The Jambos will host a series of events to honour the former player, club captain, coach and manager.
Locke first joined Hearts at 17 years old and made over 150 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and playing a part in the 1998 Scottish Cup winning side, though he missed the final against Rangers through injury.
He returned as a coach under Jim Jefferies in 2010 and was part of the set-up when Hearts claimed a historic 5-1 Hampden victory over Hibs in 2012 in the same tournament.
Locke then took over as manager and remained in place when the Gorgie club plunged into administration in 2013.
His side, largely consisting of academy graduates, valiantly but unsuccessfully battled relegation having been deducted 15 points and despite being dismissed for Robbie Neilson in 2014 he'd return as club ambassador.
A social media page set up to announce Locke’s testimonial read: “After more than 20 years sterling service to Heart of Midlothian FC, Gary Locke is humbled to learn that he has been granted a testimonial year.
"Gary joined Hearts aged 17 and initially enjoyed nine years with the club, a period that included the incredible 22 games undefeated run versus Hibs and the Scottish Cup win in 1998.
“A Hearts supporter as a boy, Gary fulfilled his dreams by playing for Hearts and went on to make 189 competitive appearances in maroon and became a huge fans favourite due to his love for the Club and his competitive nature.
“Gary left Hearts in 2001 when Jim Jefferies took him to Bradford City. The following year he headed back north, again with Jim, to Kilmarnock where he eventually finished his playing career.
“When Jim was appointed Hearts manager for the second time in 2010, he named Gary as first team coach, a role he retained when Paulo Sergio replaced Jim. Gary was Paulo’s right hand man at the 2012 Scottish Cup Final.
“He was then appointed caretaker manager after the departure of John McGlynn and took the role on a permanent basis until the end of the 2013/14 season.”
"In June 2014 Gary returned to Kilmarnock, initially as assistant manager, before taking over as manager on a permanent basis until April 2015.
“Gary returned to Hearts as principal ambassador in August 2017 and continues to be a fans favourite to this day.
“Several events are in the planning to celebrate Gary’s testimonial year with the first being an afternoon in the company of Gary and some special guests - more information to follow very soon."
