[goldenHuddlestone]

Craig Levein has been confirmed as Craig Brewsters successor as Dundee United manager on a two-and-a-half year contract at a Monday media conference. Brewster left Tannadice "by mutual and amicable agreement" on Sunday following the 5-1 thrashing by Falkirk. Levein said: "Im delighted to join Dundee United and Im confident that I can help the club climb up the league. I wouldnt have considered coming to Tannadice if there wasnt a desire to succeed within the club."

United turned to Levein, who had been working without a contract at Raith Rovers, immediately after Brewster left the club on Sunday. The former Hearts and Leicester City boss had rejected overtures last week from Dunfermline Athletic. United are presently one point adrift of the Pars at the foot of the Scottish Premier League. The 42-year-old Levein - who played 16 times for Scotland - becomes the sixth Dundee United boss during the four years Eddie Thompson has been chairman of the club.

"I wish to put on record my thanks to Raith Rovers over the last few weeks," said Levein. "But, when Mr Thompson spoke with me about this job, I felt I had to take the opportunity to come here. I fully appreciate the scale of the task before me and I am under no illusions that there will be an easy quick fix. However, I would not have taken the job if I did not believe I could make a difference."

Despite Brewsters dismal league record of just two wins in 28 matches, Levein is positive about the task ahead at Tannadice. "I have some experience of managing change at clubs and Id like to assure United fans that, based on my previous experiences and my initial impressions, this is not a club in crisis," he said. "The infrastructure is sound, the budget is reasonable, there is a determination to succeed and the playing squad is better than the league position suggests. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but with the support of everyone with the clubs best interests at heart, I am confident for the future."

And Thompson was clearly pleased to have landed the experienced Levein. "I felt it was in the best interests of the club to move swiftly and appoint an experienced manager without undue delay," he said. "I have made extensive enquiries with knowledgeable people in the game and Craig Levein comes highly recommended in every category of the criteria set by the board. He has a proven track record and an excellent reputation for man management," added Thompson.

"He also has extensive contacts in England and abroad and these will be important as we look to strengthen the squad in the next transfer window." Meanwhile, a statement issued by Raith Rovers thanked the outgoing Levein. "Craig leaves with our thanks for his efforts during his eight weeks in charge at Starks Park, and with our best wishes for the future," the statement said on behalf of the clubs board of directors.

[scoobie]

here's hoping he can stay longer than the previous managers, got some decent experience under his belt now so could well do a good job (keep them up)