The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Levein tips Dillon for coaching role
Testimonial man’s move into coaching will be natural progression, says former United boss
Identifying coaches of the future has become a high profile part of Craig Levein’s job description as the director of football at Hearts.
Robbie Neilson, Jon Daly and Ian Cathro have all been hand-picked over the last few years.
And the former Dundee United manager believes that a coaching career is a natural progression for Sean Dillon when he hangs up his boots.
“I would think so,” said Levein, whose club will play United in the Irishman’s testimonial match on Tuesday March 21.
“Sean was involved with the 20s here for a while and now he’s doing the 17s with Willo (Flood). He’s got the character and temperament, which is a good combination. You have to have real passion and hunger but at the same time be calm and level-headed, which isn’t easy.
“I can see that in Sean. I think he’ll be a good coach. Making the transition from player to coach isn’t easy. The hours you work multiply for a start. It’s a big step.”
Ten years after signing Dillon from Shelbourne, Levein was honoured to be back at Tannadice for the announcement of his benefit game.
“When I started playing testimonials were a regular thing because players didn’t move,” he said.
“Football has changed so much that players move about a lot more. Very rarely do you see someone get a testimonial these days.
“A friend of mine had tipped me off about him. I sent a scout and I went over to Ireland a couple of times as well.
“I certainly didn’t think he would be here for this time. It was Jim McLean who signed players for 10 years!”
Levein added: “I signed Sean because he was an athlete. He was decent in possession, calm and could play a number of positions. At that time we were looking for a right-back who could double up as a left-back or centre-back. He played all of those positions here, as well as in midfield.
“He played just about every game when I was the manager.
“It was Robbie (Neilson) who mentioned this game to me first of all and I thought it would be great to recognise the longevity that doesn’t exist in football these days.”
The character of the man has played a big part in Dillon lasting a decade at Tannadice, according to Levein.
“People in football know who has a good reputation,” he said. “It’s not even spoken about. Sean is one of those. Ask anybody about him and they all say the same thing. He’s a genuine human being. I’m sure a lot of the kids who have done well here down the years and moved on to bigger and better things will say he’s had an influence on their careers.
“I like players who have the mindset that they want to help other people. I’ve said it hundreds of times before, but I was fortunate to play with Sandy Jardine, who was keen on helping me.
“Sean’s that type of person. He naturally wants to help people.”
A host of former United stars are set to take part in the testimonial.
Names being mentioned are the likes of Jon Daly, Craig Conway, Garry Kenneth, Nicky Weaver, Noel Hunt, Lee Wilkie and Christian Kalvenes.
There could also be a few players who have represented both sides, such as Andy Webster, Rudi Skacel and Scott Severin. It will be all-ticket, with admission costing £10 for adults and £2 concessions.
Testimonial committee chairman Gordon Deuchar said: “Sean is a wellrespected professional, a great servant to Dundee United and a great ambassador for the club and the city of Dundee.
“It will be a fantastic night and a great opportunity to see a few Dundee United legends, and for the fans to show their appreciation to Sean for his commitment to the club over the last 10 years.
“A huge thanks to Craig Levein, who signed Sean in January 2007 and to Hearts Football Club.”