Levein Not Ruling Out Scotland Job

Dundee United manager Craig Levein hasn’t ruled himself out of the Scotland job, after speculation linking the former Hearts & Leicester boss with Walter Smith’s former position.

Alex McLeish and Gary McAllister appear to be favourites for the job, but the SFA want to interview several potential candidates – with Craig Levein’s name being mentioned.

The SFA have already hinted that their top target is a Scottish manager, currently under employment, which could mean Craig Levein has caught the eye since the dramatic turnaround he’s already managed at Dundee United.

“When a job comes up, you have to look at it and decide whether it interests you,” said Levein.

“The Scotland job, for anyone Scottish, is a major job. It all depends on the timing.”

Those comments will be a concern for Dundee United supporters, who are already worried about losing their new manager, with Levein already working minor miracles since his arrival at the start of November.

With several signings since the January transfer window opened (Gomis, Daly and Dillon) and Caley Thistle captain Darren Dods signing a pre-contractual agreement that should see him join Tannadice in the summer, Levein has just started a major re-development at the club – which previous managers failed to do on such a tight budget.

Meanwhile, former Rangers boss Alex McLeish hasn’t ruled himself out of the Scotland job either, he said “They have said their target is to appoint another Scottish manager.”

“They went down the foreign route before and it didn’t work out. I am sure they will bring somebody in who knows the culture and I am pretty sure it will be a Scot.”

“It’s an honour to be approached for that job, although I can say, hand on heart, I haven’t been approached.”

“At the moment, I am focused on returning to club football, hopefully leaving Scotland and doing something fresh – maybe in England, the Premiership or the Championship.”

“Who knows? I can’t be too choosy. Or maybe there is a possibility of going abroad.”

If the SFA do make a move for Craig Levein, it would have to be after receiving permission from the club, otherwise they could be found guilty of “tapping” up the Dundee United manager – something they accused Rangers of doing to former Scotland boss Walter Smith.

Although, they are hoping to get the matter sorted over the next few weeks, according to SFA chief executive David Taylor.

“We would like to get the matter settled as quickly as possible,” said Taylor.

“We do have matches coming up but we have to get the right candidate – that’s more important than speed.”

“If we can get the process under way, hopefully we can be in a position in the not too distant future of announcing the manager.”