Kevin Thomson to quit Kelty Hearts as Rangers hero makes shock exit after title glory

Title-winning Kevin Thomson will step down as Kelty Hearts manager.

The former Rangers and Hibs star has decided to walk away from his New Central Park post with immediate effect.

Thomson has told the Scottish League One side he is is departing the club in the wake of their title triumph.

The 37-year-old has taken the decision he wants to push on and further his career in full-time management.

Thomson is unlikely to be short of options. He is on the shortlist for the vacant managerial position at former club Dundee.

He was offered the Raith Rovers job last month but pulled out of that after he was unable to agree terms.

The former Scotland international also came close to landing the Kilmarnock job last season before being pipped by Derek McInnes.

Thomson been a major success in his first season in management.

He led league new boys Kelty Hearts to the title in March in their first season in the senior ranks.

Thomson was also able to lead Kelty to the Fifth round of the Scottish Cup, where they were able to take the scalp of holders St Johnstone along the way.

He has never hidden his ambition to manage at the highest level he can.

Kelty will now begin their search for a new manager to take them into their League One campaign.