Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston believes a double dose of determination has helped his side make a sparkling start to the season.
The 41-year-old picked up the Premiership Manager of the Month award and paid tribute to the contribution of assistant boss Gary Locke.
He said: “He’s a bubbly character, the players love him. We’ve known each other for years after coming up through the youth system at Hearts together, and there’s a trust there, which I think is important in football.”
Locke went through a tough time after leading Hearts through a very creditable season despite the financial problems engulfing the club and starting the season with a 15-point deficit because they were in administration. Despite being widely acclaimed for his work, he was dumped as boss.
Johnston, who had a tough first campaign in charge of Killie, says both men want to show what they’re made of.
He went on: “After what happened last season, I think there’s a determination in both of us to do well. It didn’t go to plan for either of us and we feel we’ve a lot to prove this year.
“You can see how much Hearts’ young players progressed under Gary and they’ve taken it into this season as well. I’d imagine Robbie Neilson thinks he’s quite lucky to have walked into a team of that quality.
“We were both at Kilmarnock as players and Gary was captain because he’s a leader and brings great enthusiasm.
“Playing attractive football and winning games will also help, because at the end of the day that is what the fans want to see.”
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