Craig Levein named St Johnstone manager as former Hearts boss returns to dugout at Perth strugglers
The former Scotland and Dundee United gaffer is back in the dugout at the side stuck at the foot of the Premiership table.
Craig Levein has been appointed the new manager of St Johnstone on a deal until 2026 as he makes his return to football management.
The 59-year-old hasn't been back in the dugout since being sacked by Hearts in 2019, following a rough end to his time in Gorgie. He has mainly been involved in punditry duties and an advisory role at Highland League side Brechin City but has now been named by McDiarmid Park chiefs as the man to drag them out of the relegation mire.
Levein will take charge of his first game on Tuesday night against Motherwell, who come into that match having lost six of their last seven Premiership matches. Steven MacLean was sacked alongside assistant Liam Craig last month after St Johnstone were humbled 4-0 by St Mirren. But caretaker Alex Cleland guided them to a morale-boosting 2-1 win at home against Kilmarnock last time out to give them their first win of the season.
Levein said: “I am delighted to be sitting here as the new St Johnstone manager. I know Geoff Brown, Roddy Grant, Gus MacPherson and Stan Harris well and they were a massive part in why I have joined the club.
"I believe we have a great squad here that can kick on and start to climb up the league. Andy is a great coach and will take on most of the training. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to the future here at McDiarmid Park."
Club CEO Stan Harris added: "I am delighted to welcome Craig to St Johnstone. Craig joins with vast experience having managed over 600 games, including having the highest honour of managing Scotland. We identified the need for experience to help guide St Johnstone through this difficult spell, we believe we have found that by appointing Craig.
"We wish Craig all the best in his new role and have no doubt we have picked the right candidate for the job. We would like to thank Brechin City Football Club for their co-operation throughout this process and wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.
"Finally, we would like to thank Alec Cleland, Danny Griffin, Craig Hinchliffe and Alistair Stevenson for stepping in and securing a vital win over Kilmarnock during what was a very difficult time for everyone at St Johnstone."