THOMSON CLOSING IN ON TOP JOB AT ROVERS

Kevin Thomson appears set to leave Kelty Hearts to take over at Raith Rovers.

Kelty have given Rovers permission to speak to the former Rangers and Dundee midfielder.

The manager’s position at Stark’s Park has been vacant since John McGlynn left for Falkirk last week.

A number of names have been linked with the role.

Yesterday former Celtic skipper Scott Brown was ruled out of the running as he heads for Fleetwood Town.

Also in the running were Airdrieonians boss Ian Murray while former Kirkcaldy gaffer Ray McKinnon declared himself open to a return.

Laurie Ellis and Csaba Laszlo have also applied.

However, it looks like the Stark’s Park board have settled on Thomson as the man to take the club forward.

The 37-year-old has made an impressive start to his managerial career, leading Kelty Hearts to the League Two title at the first time of asking.

However, Thomson may now be readying himself for the Championship with Rovers.

Reports claim that Fifer Brown – who moved to Pittodrie after 14 trophy-laden years at Celtic – is Fleetwood’s “preferred candidate” to replace Stephen Crainey, who has returned to his role as the club’s Under-23s boss after a five-month first-team stint.

Brown announced his retirement from playing earlier this week and has worked to secure an immediate move into management.

The 36-year-old was player-coach at Pittodrie under Stephen Glass before calling a halt to his on-pitch career. He subsequently spent time helping Dunfermline on the training ground on a voluntary basis.