Levein's dream comes true

New Scotland boss could not ignore international opportunity

Last updated: 23rd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Levein's dream comes true

Levein: Looking ahead

I was delighted to put pen to paper today, and now I can't wait to get started, as we prepare for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Craig Levein
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Craig Levein admits it is a 'dream come true' to have been confirmed as the new manager of Scotland and is already looking ahead to Euro 2012.

The former Dundee United boss was announced as the successor to George Burley on a two-and-a-half-year deal on Wednesday after a slight delay in contract negotiations.

Levein admits it was a wrench to leave Tannadice after more than three years, but he is now looking forward to the chance to revive the fortunes of Scottish football after the horribly unsuccessful 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 45-year-old's first game will be a friendly against Czech Republic in March, but his long-term target will be to qualify for Euro 2012.

Levein told the Scottish Football Association's official website: "As a proud Scotland fan, it is a dream come true to take charge of the national team.

"I very much enjoyed my time at Dundee United, and would like to thank the players, backroom staff, supporters, directors, chairman Stephen Thompson, and everyone associated with the club for their support, but I felt that this was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

Delight

"I was delighted to put pen to paper today, and now I can't wait to get started, as we prepare for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign."

Levein insisted the protracted nature of Wednesday's proceedings was no reflection on his desire to succeed Burley as manager.

"Do not let the length of time today fool you," he said. "That is no indication of how much I wanted this job."

Levein is also hoping to improve the day-to-day actions of the SFA by providing off-field insight.

"One of the main things for me was the chance to get involved not just in the running of the national team but also to have an input into things that were happening behind the scenes at the SFA," he added. "But that will take a little bit of time.

Unanimous choice

"I'll be in here and it'll be easy for me just to have a look at how things are set up and see if there's anything that I can suggest could be done differently or better."

Gordon Smith, Scottish FA chief executive, said: "Craig was the unanimous choice of the board and brings a wealth of experience as a player - including 16 international caps for Scotland - and as a coach.

"He has established a firm reputation as one of the most respected managers in the country and has already expressed his excitement at leading Scotland into the qualification campaign for Euro 2012 and beyond.

"I am sure the players, the Scotland supporters and media will share his ambitions and I urge the whole country to get behind the new manager in the collective aim to return to a major championship finals."

George Peat, Scottish FA president, said: "Craig has already demonstrated his ambition to succeed with Scotland by leaving a coveted position as both manager and director of football at Dundee United.

"I am delighted we have managed to conclude the recruitment process successfully and ahead of schedule."

Comments (5)

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Tameside Blue (Manchester City fan) says...

A dream come true. Unbelievable. He's been dreaming about becoming Scotland manager !!! I think this man needs a doctor. How low must his aspirations be ?

Posted 19:45 23rd December 2009

Ryan Day (Rangers fan) says...

I am very happy that Craig Levein is the new Scotland manager. I believe that he will get the right players in the right place and guide the team to the 2012 Euro Championships. Levein has done a great job at Dundee United and all the Dundee United fans should be happy for what he has done at Tannadice and for what he is now doing for this country. All the best to Craig Levein.

Posted 19:39 23rd December 2009

Ryan M (Raith Rovers fan) says...

Fantastic appointment, Levein will bring passion back to Scottish jersey and will look to put Scotland back on football map, he will command automatic respect from players.

Posted 18:42 23rd December 2009

Tommy Reilly (Celtic fan) says...

Doesn't matter who the Scotland manager is. As long as the fossils sitting next to Levein at todays conference are calling the shots nothing will change.

Posted 18:37 23rd December 2009

Johnny Esson (Aberdeen fan) says...

I would of much preferred Jimmy Calderwood to be new scotland manager, he done a great job at aberdeen and i love him.

Posted 18:15 23rd December 2009
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