Craig’s track record shows he’ll succeed, insists Black
PRAGUE was the venue as Craig Levein completed his journey from hero to 4-6-0. Upon leaving Dundee United in December 2009 to become Scotland boss, the Tannadice figurehead was riding the crest of a wave of popularity as the people’s choice to succeed George Burley.
But on a dark night for the national team in October 2010, Levein suffered serious reputational damage by sending out a team with no strikers for a 1-0 defeat to a distinctly ordinary Czech Republic side.
He would limp on, but, with the Tartan Army demanding change, it was only a matter of time before he was removed from the post and replaced by Gordon Strachan. He has not managed since. All that changes when domestic football returns after the international break. When Hearts host Aberdeen at Murrayfield, Levein will be back in the dugout.
His appointment yesterday drew a lukewarm reception from some parts of the Tynecastle fan base. But former Hearts team-mate and Scotland coaching colleague Kenny Black insists a close reading of Levein’s CV marks him out as the ideal man for the job.
‘Craig Levein’s track record speaks for itself. I think he will do a great job for Hearts,’ Black told Sportsmail. ‘When things don’t go well at a club or in an international job, it is still an experience that you can use to your benefit.
‘Craig tried something out in Prague and it didn’t work out, but he was prepared to go and try something new. Now he has the chance to get back into the dugout at Hearts and write a fresh chapter in his managerial career.’
Levein has often faced criticism for his direct, physical style of football, but his first spell as Hearts boss saw the team finish fifth, fifth, third and third. His supporters could point to thrilling wins, including a 5-3 aggregate victory over Portuguese side Braga to reach the 2004 UEFA Cup group stages and a Mark de Vries-inspired 5-1 derby demolition of Hibs in August 2002.
That success saw him move south, but at then Championship Leicester, Levein’s star faded for the first time. He found himself saddled with unexpected budget cuts before boardroom machinations ended in his sacking after just 72 matches.
Following a brief period at Raith Rovers, Levein turned Dundee United around. He may not have a major trophy on his managerial CV, but he assembled the side that his deputy Peter Houston would steer to Scottish Cup glory in 2010.
His work at Tannadice was enough to earn him the Scotland job — an appointment welcomed publicly at the time.
‘There’s no doubt that Craig is a very good and experienced manager,’ Black continued. ‘His success at Cowdenbeath brought him to Hearts and his time at Tynecastle got him the Leicester job.
‘Leicester turned out to be a difficult job with cutbacks. But Craig bounced back to do such a terrific job at Dundee United that he got the Scotland job.
‘He nearly won the League Cup in 2008, when United lost in the final on penalties to Rangers. The next year, they lost on penalties to Celtic in the semi-finals. He has a very good record of managing in club football in Scotland.’
Black (below) is not surprised that Levein took the divisive decision to return to the dugout after three years as director of football. He is adamant the Hearts boss will soon win over his critics among the rank-and-file.
He said: ‘Yes, Craig has not done the job for a few years, but he has always been involved as director of football. It’s not like he’s been away from the game.
‘Now he is prepared to put his own neck on the chopping block. He is standing up to be counted — and that doesn’t surprise me about Craig.
‘There are always plusses and negatives when you appoint a manager. You can’t please everyone. But it’s amazing how quickly things can change in football. Hearts fans won’t be happy with recent events, but it only takes three or four positive results for a club to suddenly seem a bit rosier. ‘I had fantastic times playing alongside Craig at Hearts and, in my opinion, the team should be up there behind Celtic and Rangers in the Premiership. ‘The Hearts supporters are crying out for success and Craig Levein is the man to give them that success.’