John McGlynn (right) wanted to become his own boss

McGlynn, who was twice caretaker manager at Hearts, has agreed an 18-month contract, to be reviewed on a rolling basis each summer.

A Rovers spokesman said: "John impressed the whole board with his plans to take the club forward.

"The soundings we have also taken from respected people within the game give us confidence he is the right man."

Gary Kirk, caretaker for the last two games, will remain as part-time assistant manager, while Robbie Raeside continues as youth coach.

"We have gone through a rigorous selection process over the last two weeks, interviewing six of the best candidates from an initial list of 34," said the spokesman.

John is ambitious and we are sure that he will do well at Raith Rovers Hearts spokesman

The Second Division club thanked Hearts "for the amicable manner in which they have agreed to release John from his duties".

A Hearts spokesman said: "He has been an excellent servant for Hearts and everyone here acknowledges the commitment he showed during his time here.

"John is ambitious and we are sure that he will do well at Raith Rovers."

Rovers made their choice despite chairman David Sinton's resignation after only 11 months in charge.

A club statement said: "David cites in his letter to the board his desire to pursue other business interests."

Rovers lost Levein to Scottish Premier League outfit Dundee United last month.

But the man he replaced at Tannadice, Craig Brewster, immediately ruled himself out of the running for a return to his former club.

Sandy Stewart, sacked this week by Airdrie, was one of those on Rovers' shortlist.

Brewster's former assistant, Malcolm Thomson, was also in the frame for the job with the Second Division club.

Former United manager Gordon Chisholm, who recently began coaching at Queen of the South, was being considered.