KEVIN THOMSON reckons Kelty Hearts is the perfect place for him to begin his managerial career after he made the move from Rangers to League Two.

The former Ibrox midfielder will succeed Barry Ferguson as manager at New Central Park after he quit to join Alloa just days after leading Kelty to victory over Brechin.

Thomson has forged a sound reputation as a coach during his time within the youth ranks at Auchenhowie and will now take the next step in the game.

Thomson said: “This is the perfect fit for me at the correct stage in my management and coaching career, it’s a club that I know well and I am sure we can achieve success together in the years ahead.

"I can’t wait to get started on the challenge ahead in my first managerial job in the SPFL and to get to work with the players and backroom team on the training pitch.

"I am also really looking forward to meeting the Kelty Hearts supporters and people within the community over the coming weeks and months.”

Kelty will play in the fourth tier of Scottish football for the first time next term following their Lowland League success and play-off win under Ferguson's guidance.

Glasgow Times: Kevin Thomson

Thomson will now be tasked with preserving their League status in the coming months and general manager Dean McKenzie is delighted to have the 36-year-old on board.

McKenzie said: "I’ve known Kevin for a few years now and we have kept in contact about football in general and about the club over that time.

"You can’t help to be impressed with his drive and ambition and we are thrilled he chose Kelty Hearts FC to begin his managerial career and to have one of the best up and coming coaches at our club.

"We have no doubts Kevin will go onto bigger things in his management career and we hope to help him do that by giving our new manager and his team our full backing.”