KEVIN THOMSON has been recognised for leading Kelty Hearts to an historic title by being named the Glen's SPFL League Two Manager of the Season.

In the club's first-ever season in the SPFL, the 37-year-old guided the club to the championship by a 21-point margin from runners-up, Forfar Athletic.

Following the departure of Barry Ferguson, who had led Kelty to victory in the Pyramid Play-Off final last year, Thomson left his position within Rangers' academy to embark on his first senior managerial role.

In a hugely impressive campaign, he has guided them to victory in 24 of their 36 league matches, losing just three, all of which came away from home.

On their way to the title - which they wrapped up with a 1-0 home win over Stenhousemuir in March, thanks to on-loan St Johnstone star Max Kucheriavyi - they also scored 68 goals.

Their reward is a place in the third tier, where their opponents will include Dunfermline, relegated from the Championship, and Falkirk.

After receiving his award, Thomson said: "Delighted to win manager of the year, it was an unbelievable season and I couldn’t have asked for much more.

"The players were superb from the first day of pre-season to the last game of the season. The desire and drive within the group made our job easy, these awards are for them.

"Massive thanks to all the staff, all the committee and fans, they’ve done nothing but support us from day one, so a massive thanks to everyone."

Colin Matthews, CEO of Glen’s owner, the Loch Lomond Group, added: “Congratulations to Kevin Thomson and everybody involved with Kelty Hearts on what has been quite an outstanding season.

“Kelty have been a major addition to League Two in their first season in the senior game and they will move to League One with real confidence following a brilliant season.

“Kevin won three Scottish League Two Glen’s Manager of the Month awards during the season and he is clearly enjoying his first management role with a team who are doing a lot of things right both on and off the pitch.”