Cowdenbeath secure Locke

League 2 survivors Cowdenbeath have secured the services of manager Gary Locke for a longer period with the former Hearts, Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers boss agreeing to stay on for next season.

Locke replaced Liam Fox at Central Park in March, just over a month after he was sacked by Raith, when Cow den be a th were sitting at the foot of senior Scottish football.

Although Locke could not improve their position he brought confidence back to the team and they saw off LowlandLeaguec ham pions East Kilbride in a penalty shoot-out in the Pyramid play- off final.

A club statement said: “After successfully steering the club to safety at the end of last season, and following discussions with the Board, wear every pleased indeed toconfirm manager Gary Locke has agreed to a contract extension to cover season 2017/ 18.

“Now we are looking ahead to build on the foundations set down by Garyand his team in the closing months of the season.”