Levein is new coach of Scotland

Dundee United manager Craig Levein has been confirmed as the new Scotland national coach at a Scottish Football Association (SFA) press conference.

Levein, 45, who begins his role with immediate effect, had been the bookies favourite to succeed former boss George Burley, who was sacked last month after failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.

Flanked by SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and President George Peat, Levein was clearly overjoyed at the appointment and said :

"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 and chairman."

Explaining his decision he also added: "I felt that this was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

“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."

As a player Levein represented Scotland 16 times and had a successful club career playing mainly with Hearts. After injury brought an end to his career he moved into management with Cowdenbeath, Hearts, Leicester City, Raith Rovers and latterly with Dundee United where he has transformed the club.

The press conference was delayed due to the bad weather conditions in Scotland but the news had already been leaked days before. However, the Press Conference went a lot more smoothly than Burleys appointment announcement where Gordon Smith needlessly bossed the conference.

Smith was in an ebullient mood saying:

"Craig 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."

Levein is believed to have signed a 2 and a half year contract with aim to qualify for the 2012 European Championships in Poland/Ukraine. It is widely recognized to be a tough job given the poor playing resources and severe restraints upon the national game.

Dundee United will be compensated around £250,000 from the SFA and Levein’s assistant will take control of the United team for the foreseeable future.