TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Levein ties up loose ends and is unveiled as Scotland manager • 45-year-old signs two-and-a-half-year deal• 'This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up'Craig Levein's appointment as Scotland manager has finally been confirmed by the Scottish Football Association. The wintery weather threatened further to delay the signing of a two-and-a-half-year contract but the loose ends were tied up shortly before 6pm.Levein, who stepped down as manager of Dundee United, where he spent just over three years in charge, has been one of the favourites for the role from the outset and was first given permission to speak to the SFA on Thursday.After meeting with officials on Monday, confirmation of the 45-year-old's appointment had been expected yesterday, but negotiations proved protracted and their conclusion was not helped by the weather. A delighted Levein, who cost the SFA a reported £250,000 in compensation, 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, the chairman Stephen Thompson, and everyone associated with the club for their support, but 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."The SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said: "Craig was the unanimous choice of the board and 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."The SFA president George Peat added: "Craig has already demonstrated his ambition to succeed with Scotland by leaving a coveted position as both manager and director of football at Dundee United."I am delighted we have managed to conclude the recruitment process successfully and ahead of schedule."Scotlandguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
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