Gary Locke wants clarity on his future at Hearts after presiding over the club during one of the most traumatic seasons in their history.

Locke's contract expires in the summer and with the club poised to begin a new era under prospective owner Ann Budge, who is expected to hand over the reins to the supporters within five years, there has been speculation that Locke could be replaced.

Under a signing embargo and a 15-point deduction in the league which has led to relegation, Locke has moulded his young squad into an effective unit that has earned four wins and a draw from their last five outings, with Sunday's Edinburgh derby triumph over Hibs their fourth in five meetings.

Having enjoyed the same steep learning curve his players have in his first managerial post, Locke is now keen to sort out his future as quickly as possible.

"It's all about Heart of Midlothian Football Club, everybody knows what the club means to myself, it's never been about Gary Locke. What will be, will be. Hopefully, Ann comes in sooner rather than later because we're getting towards the end of the season and we would like to get everything sorted, especially for my own future."