Robbie Neilson signs new contract to stay as Hearts head coach until 2018

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has signed a contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2017/18 season.

Neilson guided Hearts to the Scottish Championship title last year in his first season in charge, winning the division 21 points ahead of their nearest rivals Hibernian.

The club have also enjoyed a positive return to the Scottish Premiership and are currently sitting third, eight points ahead of fourth-placed Ross County with two games in hand.

Assistant Stevie Crawford has also signed a new deal until 2018, and speaking to the Hearts website, Neilson revealed his delight at the contract extensions.

"Stevie and I are very happy to have extended our contracts. We are both young coaches with a lot to learn, and while we've enjoyed some real success, we want to deliver more for the supporters."

Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge also expressed her pleasure at the news.

"I am very pleased to have secured Robbie and Stevie's services for the next two seasons, as we continue to build for the future.

"This is a win-win for everyone…the club, the players and the supporters. By continuing to pull together, I am confident we will all achieve our goals."

Director of football Craig Levein added: "We came in with a long-term plan, we're ahead of schedule and very happy with the progress our coaching team has made."

Next up for Neilson and Hearts is a home match against struggling Kilmarnock on Saturday.