Craig Levein set for Dundee United manager offer as Tannadice chiefs send SOS to former boss

Dundee United are set to offer Craig Levein a free rein to return to the Tannadice in a bid to save the season.

Under-fire United chiefs held crisis talks yesterday afternoon in the wake of Sunday night’s sacking of Liam Fox after just 22 games in permanent charge and the side marooned at the foot of the Premiership. And it’s former manager Levein who has shot to the top of the wish list as the man they need to stage a rescue mission in the fight to beat the drop.

The 58-year-old spent three-and-half successful years at Tannadice until Scotland came calling in 2009, where he rebuilt the structure of the club on and off the pitch and laid the foundations for triumphs such as the 2010 Scottish Cup win. Levein has not been in the dugout since leaving Hearts in 2019 after taking charge following Ian Cathro’s departure where he combined the gaffer gig with his director of football role. The ex-Leicester City boss has been operating as an adviser for Highland League Brechin City while also working as a pundit.

He’s been lukewarm on talk of a return to the dugout but it is understood United owner Mark Ogren and director of football Tony Asghar are seriously considering sending out a SOS to the experienced manager. The club’s powerbroker are weighing up their options but understand time is running out in the battle to beat the drop to the Championship.

And it’s believed they would be willing to give Levein full control as they look to sort out problems on and off the field. Levein performed a similar role in his last spell at the club when he had a major say in revamping the United structure behind the scenes, including transfer policy and the youth set up.

Along with right-hand man Houston, they eventually managed to