Former Dundee United and Scotland boss Craig Levein has worked for free at Brechin City for the last 18 months.
Levein has been employed in an advisory, director of football-style post at the Angus club since June 2021, and is currently bidding to mastermind their return to the SPFL.
He took on the role to support City chairman and long-term friend Kevin Mackie and guide head coach Andy Kirk through his first managerial role.
Levein’s devotion to the cause saw him undertake one-to-one training sessions with St Johnstone star Max Kucheriavyi during the Ukrainian star’s loan spell last year.
He has also travelled to training and games in the Highland League at his own expense, waiving his after-dinner speaker fee to bolster the club’s hospitality.
Levein is keen to play his part in helping Brechin return to the SPFL, at no cost.
“Not a lot of people know this but Craig gives up Tuesday and Thursday nights every week at his own expense,” Mackie told Courier Sport.
“He doesn’t get paid a penny from the club. He uses his own fuel to drive from Kinross to Dundee and to get the bus from Perth on a Saturday.
“Craig does everything out of his own expense but the experience he has brought with him has been priceless.
“He wants Brechin to be a big success and has turned down umpteen offers to make money elsewhere to get on with the job here.”
Craig Levein helping Brechin on and off the park
Levein’s coaching career started at Cowdenbeath in 1997 and took him to Hearts (twice), Leicester City, Raith Rovers, Dundee United and Scotland.
And Mackie believes Levein’s humble Cowdenbeath beginnings are standing him in good stead at Brechin.
“When we had Max here from St Johnstone, Craig arranged to meet him to do one-to-one sessions,” added Mackie.
“One night there was more rain coming out of the sky than you could imagine but he didn’t stop.
“There are no airs or graces about Craig.
“He may have operated at the highest level, but he hasn’t forgotten his coaching roots.
“He even helps us at hospitality. He’ll do Q&As, home and away, all without charge.
“Some people can charge £750 as an after-dinner speaker but we are getting all that added value from Craig.
“He has left Andy Kirk to get on with his job. He’s there for support pre-match, at half-time and full-time.
“But, ultimately, he knows Andy is the coach.
“Craig is a gift the club should be so, so grateful for.
“I’ve known him for a very long time. We speak every day and, thankfully, his role here hasn’t impacted on our relationship.”
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