DUFC

CRAIG LEVEIN DEPARTURE CONFIRMED

23rd December 2009

Dundee United today confirmed that, subject to written confirmation of compensation being received from the SFA, Manager Craig Levein would be leaving the Club with immediate effect clearing the way for him to be appointed as Scotland Manager. Until a permanent replacement is appointed, Peter Houston will act as caretaker manager, assisted by Gary Kirk.

Applications for the position of Team Manager are now being sought.

Craig Levein joined Dundee United in October 2006 when the Club was languishing around the foot of the table. He turned that season around, securing the Club's SPL status and making significant progress.

The next season saw him combine his role as Manager with the position of Director of Football and achieve a fifth place finish and reach a League Cup final. Last season also saw a top six finish and a cup semi final place.

He has transformed the playing side of the Club in his time at Dundee United and this summer, laid foundations for the future with a complete overhaul of the youth set up and the establishment of permanent training facilities at St Andrews.

Chairman Stephen Thompson said, "It is with great regret and disappointment that I confirm Craig Levein is leaving Dundee United. He has done a great job for us and leaves the team - and the Club as a whole - in a much better position than it was when he arrived here. While we always knew he would move on to a bigger job and are flattered that the job he has done here has brought him to the attention of the national team, we're neverthless very disappointed Craig is leaving us at this time. However, he leaves with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.

"We now move on and look to our own future.

"We've already had plenty of names put to us as potential replacements and I can understand why because we've got a good squad of players and are in a strong position to attract good candidates.

"However, we won't be rushing into appointing someone else, we'll take our time and look at all the options."

Craig Levein said, "While it is a great honour to be asked to manage your country, it was a very difficult decision to leave Dundee United. I have, and will continue to have, a great affection and respect for the Club and its supporters, who have given me such strong support from the day I arrived. I also leave behind a great bunch of players and a strong backroom staff and I know the Club is in good hands.

"It is a great wrench to leave the Club and I will keep many great and poignant memories of my time at Tannadice. It has been a pleasure to work with Stephen Thompson and his late father, Eddie and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them, the Directors and all of the staff at the Club for their support over the last three years. I wish them and Dundee United well for the future."