Craig Levein: 'Good people' drew manager to St Johnstone manager's job - BBC Sport
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Craig Levein: 'Good people' drew manager to St Johnstone manager's job

By Kheredine IdessaneBBC Scotland

Last updated on .From the section St Johnstone

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein
Craig Levein's last game in management was against St Johnstone while at Hearts

Craig Levein says the chance "to work with good people" was his primary motivation in joining St Johnstone.

The former Hearts and Scotland boss ended a four-year hiatus from managing by signing a contract until 2026.

And he believes success will be getting and keeping Saints off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

"My best spells in management have been working for people that I got on really well with and in structures that were really good," said the 59-year-old.

"Where I've done the best jobs in the past is where I've been working with good people, so I thought it was a good opportunity.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, energy and experience in the team. When [honorary president] Geoff [Brown] called me, it was quite an easy decision.

"The first thing is to get St Johnstone off the bottom of the table and the second thing is to keep them off the bottom of the table. That's the priority."

Levein, who takes charge of Tuesday's home match against Motherwell, latterly had an advisory role with Highland League winners Brechin City and manager Andy Kirk has left Glebe Park to become St Johnstone assistant.

Alex Cleland, who oversaw the recent win over Kilmarnock, continues as a coach in Perth.

"I've learned quite a lot from my last job in particular, about having the energy to cope with the demands of the job," said Levein.

"I did think that coming into a role in the Premiership and trying to do everything again would just be a horrendous mistake.

"So, I feel that I've got Alex Cleland here, who knows St Johnstone, the club and the players; there's Andy Kirk and myself so I feel we can split whatever duties there are so that everybody's doing what they're good at.

"[Andy Kirk's] understanding of tactics is extremely good. The way he had the team at Brechin playing, if we can replicate that - and I do think we have the players to do that - then this thing about improving players and improving the overall team is eminently possible.

"Between myself, Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland, we've got plenty experience."

St Johnstone