Levein talks get green light

United confirm manager can discuss Scotland coaching post

Last updated: 17th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Levein talks get green light

Levein: Permission to speak to SFA

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Dundee United have granted Craig Levein permission to speak to the Scottish Football Association regarding the Scotland post.

The SFA contacted United on Wednesday evening to request the go-ahead to talk to Levein about succeeding George Burley as national team coach.

Levein told Sky Sports News that he would take training with United on Thursday morning before meeting his chairman Stephen Thompson to discuss the issue.

He has now been granted the opportunity to meet with SFA chief executive Gordon Smith to hear what is on offer with the national side.

Reluctantly agreed

A United statement read: "Further to the telephone call of SFA chief executive Gordon Smith to Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson last night concerning permission to speak to United manager Craig Levein in relation to the Scotland manager position, the Dundee United board of directors have today reluctantly agreed to Craig Levein's request to speak to the SFA regarding this matter."

Sky Sports News' Scotland reporter David Tanner understands that Levein, who is the No.1 contender for the job, will need to be convinced by the SFA that it is the right time to take on the role of Scotland coach.

Levein's ambition is to manage his country in the future, but at the age of 45 is unsure whether it is the ideal moment to give up day-to-day coaching.

He also harbours hopes of returning to manage in English football after enduring a difficult spell in charge of Leicester City which came to an end almost four years ago.

However, it is understood that Levein could be tempted by the Scotland position now if he is allowed to conduct a review of the whole organisation from the senior team down.