Weaver hails Levein

Keeper grateful to Dundee United boss for resurrecting his career

Last updated: 21st December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Weaver hails Levein

Weaver: Hailed Levein

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Dundee United goalkeeper Nicky Weaver has hailed Craig Levein ahead of his move away from the club next month.

The 30-year-old joined the SPL outfit on a free transfer in the summer from Charlton, where he had been languishing in the reserves until his contract expired.

Weaver is now set to move on in January as Slovak keeper Dusan Pernis, who signed a pre-contract deal in the summer, arrived from MSK Zilina earlier this month and will be available for selection in the New Year.

While Weaver prepares to go, Levein could also be moving on as the Dundee United manager is set to meet with the Scottish Football Association to discuss the possibility of succeeding George Burley as national team boss.

The former Manchester City keeper has got nothing but praise for Levein after the United boss resurrected his career.

Weaver told the Daily Record: "I've done exactly what I wanted to do. I've come up here and played for the last five months and thoroughly enjoyed my time under him.

Good things

"I have nothing but good things to say about the manager. He's taken Dundee United where they are on a limited budget. That's been recognised and now he could get his reward for it.

"Nobody has actually said he will leave but it's a possibility. If he does I will always be grateful to him.

"He will be a massive loss and everybody at the club knows that. But he has been here for three years and has left some good foundations.

"He's brought in some good players and tied them to long contracts. A lot of them are young players and they are only going to get better.

"He has made big strides with the youth development and if the worst comes to the worst for United at least he will be leaving them in good shape.

"I don't know what will happen but as players you just get on with playing.

"He's obviously declared his interest in the job and the SFA are interested in him. But the players still come in every day and prepare for each game as normal. It doesn't affect us."

Free agent

Weaver is looking forward to the challenges ahead, adding: "I have three games left and then I will be a free agent. I've spoken to a few clubs and there are a few others aware of the situation.

"I have fully enjoyed my time up here on and off the pitch.

"I hadn't spent much time up here before and I've found the Scottish people very welcoming. I will look back on my time here with fondness.

"I think I've re-established myself here. I was disappointed not to play for Charlton after Christmas last year so to come up here and be part of a successful side has helped me.

"The main reason I came here was to play football. I could have gone to a few other clubs and sat on the bench but I didn't do that.

"I've got the bug back now and wherever I go I want to play.

"I'm 30 years old now so the next three or four seasons will be a big part of my career."