Kevin Thomson’s exit from Kelty Hearts today has come as a bit of a shock.

Not in the sense that people didn’t expect him to ever move on from the League One newcomers, but because there doesn’t seem to be a new job immediately lined up for him.

The 37-year-old has been linked with a host of clubs in recent times . He was close to the Kilmarnock hotseat before Derek McInnes pipped him and a deal couldn’t be reached with Raith Rovers.

He’s still thinking to be on Dundee’s shortlist, although Shaun Maloney is the preferred candidate.

There was also speculation about a move to Hartlepool United, who still have a vacancy.

So just where could tomson end up?

Football Scotland has taken a look at five possible destinations or the ex-Scotland international.

Dundee

Thomson was with Dundee as a player

Shaun Maloney is the Dark Blues’ first choice, but a move to make him boss seems to have stalled.

Thomson is believed to be another name on the shortlist having already failed to agree terms with another Championship side in Raith Rovers.

The former midfielder spent a few years at Dens Park as a player so the club would know exactly what they were getting in terms of a character.

And it would surely be seen as a great opportunity for the man himself to further his career – although it would come with the pressure of being expected to secure an immediate return to the Premiership.

Hamilton Acces

In terms of opportunities in Scotland, this would appear to be the only other one in terms of a full-time club that might need a new manager.

No announcement has actually been made on Stuart Taylor’s future, although he is expected to leave the Lanarkshire club.

So while there is no vacancy at the moment, there should be soon.

A Championship club which has a reputation for bringing through young players could be perfect for a man who has experience of working with youths.

Hartlepool United

The 37-year-old emerged as a candidate for the Hartlepool job a few weeks ago.

He was said to be on the Monkey Hangers’ shortlist along with Tony Mowbray, who left Blackburn Rovers.

United finished last season 17th in League Two and sacked manager Graeme Lee after just five months in the role.

They’ll be looking for a new boss to lead them up the table and headstrong Thomson would back himself.

QPR

Perhaps Thomson would accept a full-time position as a coach or assistant manager?

With former Rangers colleague Michael Beale close to being appointed as QPR manager that opportunity might present itself.

With Beale having served his time working in the background for Steven Gerrard, learning from him before making a similar move might not be the worst idea.

An existing relationship is obviously already there which is always important.

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AstonVilla

Or alternatively, could he actually replace Beale at Villa Park.

Gerrard is another man who he’s worked with before and knows well, so it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to see him turn in that direction.

Having been up close with both Gerrard and Beale, Thomson will know exactly how they work and what would be expected of him.

He also spent time down at the Villa training center recently, so maybe that’s paved way for such a move.

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