Craig Levein could be next Dundee United manager

Dundee United want Craig Levein to make a stunning return to Tannadice as the Tangerines seek to salvage their Premiership status.

United chiefs held a board meeting on Monday afternoon as they pursue a swift appointment following the departure of Liam Fox on Sunday evening.

And Courier Sport can reveal the Terrors are ready to make an approach to Levein, who managed the club between 2006 and 2009.

He is seen as the perfect experienced figure to motivate and organise an ailing, underperforming United side, who slipped four points adrift at the foot of the Premiership with a 4-0 defeat at Ross County on Saturday.

Levein in his Dundee United days. Image: SNS

Levein has been reluctant to consider a second stint at United in the past, and would need convinced that the Tannadice hierarchy would afford him the oversight to make any changes he sees fit to revive the club’s fortunes.

Crucially, with Levein currently enjoying an advisory role with Brechin City and a regular BBC pundit, a strong pitch would be required to the 58-year-old.

Nevertheless, informal contact HAS now been made, and — although not a done deal — Levein is thought to be amenable to talks and an official offer could be tabled within the next 48 hours.

United would ideally like a new boss in place by the time they face Aberdeen on Saturday, with Neil Lennon and Jim Goodwin other names that have been discussed internally.

Stevie Crawford and Dave Bowman oversaw United training on Monday.

Pedigree

During his three years at the helm of United, Levein regularly guided the Tangerines to top-half finishes in the top-flight and reached the 2008 League Cup final.

Such was the job he oversaw at United, he was named Scotland manager in December 2009.

Craig Levein managed Scotland but is keen to make impact in his role at Brechin City. Image: SNS

Peter Houston then built on the foundations laid by his predecessor to win the 2010 Scottish Cup with the Terrors, defeating Ross County 3-0 in the Hampden showpiece.

The former Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers and Leicester City manager’s most recent role was as manager and director of football at Hearts, with Levein dismissed in October 2019 as the Jambos toiled.

They were subsequently relegated under his replacement, Daniel Stendel, after the campaign was curtailed due to Covid.