Carrick rejoins Locke as he signs for Killie
KILMARNOCK have confirmed the signing of Dale Carrick days after the striker left Hearts.
Carrick is the latest former Hearts player to be reunited with recent Tynecastle boss Gary Locke this summer, following Scott Robinson and Jamie Macdonald to Rugby Park.
The 21 year old scored eight goals in 62 appearances for Hearts, including the opener in a derby win over Hibernian, but was told that his first-team opportunities would be limited this season.
Carrick endured an injuryhit season last term, including an aborted loan spell at Raith Rovers, but Locke pounced when it became clear Carrick was surplus to requirements in Gorgie. The manager told Kilmarnock’s official website: “I didn’t think Dale would be available but as soon as I found out he was it was important we snapped him up. He is quick and will add pace to our squad. He also has a great eye for a goal.”
Carrick said: “I am delighted to be at Kilmarnock and back working with Gary. I now want to work hard and try to get as many matches under my belt as possible this season.”
The Edinburgh-born forward added on Twitter: “I would like to thank Hearts and the fans for a brilliant nine years. I will be taking some fantastic memories and wish you all the best.”
Meanwhile, new Kilmarnock signing Stevie Smith insists he will not stick the boot into his former club Rangers.
The left-back was among 11 players whose contracts were not renewed after Rangers blew their chance of winning promotion to the Ladbrokes Premiership. Kris Boyd – who has joined Smith at Rugby Park – Richard Foster, Jon Daly and Ian Black have all hit out at the way their departures were handled.
But Smith admitted that last season’s Ibrox squad deserved the flak directed their way as he refused to criticise the club.
The 29 year old said: “When you play at a club the size of Rangers you are going to come in for some criticism. But you’ve just got to go out and prove people wrong.
“There is no doubting we deserved that criticism but now it’s about proving to myself that I can still play in the top division.
“Listen, I’ve been associated with Rangers since I was ten years old. I was fortunate enough to play there twice. It’s a great football club and I enjoyed every minute of being there.
“Last season was difficult, but you are not going to hear me say a bad word about Rangers. It’s still a great place to play. I wish them all the best for next season.
“I hope they are heading in the right direction now and I hope they come up next season. But I’m concentrating on Kilmarnock now and I’m looking forward to having a good season here.”
Smith is now settling into life at Killie after being handed a three-year deal. As well as his two spells at Rangers, the defender has also featured for Norwich, Aberdeen, Preston and MLS outfit Portland Timbers and that experience has made adjusting to life at Rugby Park easier.