Craig Levein reckons his former Hearts protégé Liam Fox is capable of following in his footsteps by excelling as Dundee United boss.
However, he has underlined the need for “strong support” around the United interim, should he land the top job permanently.
Levein, 57, is acutely aware of the pressures and demands associated with life at Tannadice, having occupied the dugout from October 2006 until landing the Scotland job in 2009.
He is also responsible for giving Fox his big break in coaching, headhunting the ex-Livingston and Inverness midfielder to work with the Jambos’ under-18 squad.
Fox swiftly gained a fine reputation for his work ethic and man management.
“When I brought Liam back to work towards the top end of the (Hearts) youth system, it was more about his personality,” Levein recalls.
“He is a real people person and knows exactly how to motivate and get the best out of individuals.”
It was a time when Tynecastle director of football Levein was seeking to mastermind an internal conveyor belt of ready-made managers; to end the slapdash, manic nature of recruitment when one boss inevitably leaves.
Fox, it was thought by many, was a Hearts manager-in-waiting.
Then Cowdenbeath happened.
Baptism of fire
Fox was handed the reins at Central Park in 2016, aged just 32.
Enduring a baptism of fire at a club in seemingly interminable decline, he resigned after nine months on the back of a run of 10 defeats in 11 games.
“He had that spell effectively out on loan (as manager) with Cowdenbeath — admittedly, an unusual situation — and everyone knows that didn’t go particularly well for Liam,” continued Levein.
“It was an insight into just how difficult management can be, at any football club. A valuable insight.
“That did two things: one, it made him realise just how difficult a role it is and become aware of some of the challenges. And secondly, it gave him a bit of fight; determination to come back from that.”
‘Liam can do that job’
After the Cowden catastrophe, Fox returned to coaching duties with Hearts before going on to serve Livingston and Dundee United as No2, playing a key part in successful campaigns enjoyed by David Martindale (2020/21) and Tam Courts (2021/22).
He is now front-runner to grasp the nettle and become his own man once more at United, although no final decision has yet been made regarding who will succeed Jack Ross.
Fox secured a 2-1 win at Livingston and a 0-0 draw against Motherwell in his two matches at the helm to date.
Both outings showcased organisation, defensive diligence and — against Livi — the occasional spark of attacking invention.
“The performances under Liam have been positive,” continued Levein. “He knows the players, has a good relationship with the players and understands the league.
“The dilemma for Tony (Asghar, sporting director) and the owner (Mark Ogren) is whether they say, ‘oh, he’s a bit young and maybe it’s too soon?’
“He would need strong support around him. Every manager needs that, but particularly if you are embarking on your first managerial job in the top-flight.
“But I believe Liam can do that job. I absolutely do.”
He added: “Coaching is one thing. But it’s the interaction with your players — how you get on with them and how much they respect you — that has, in my eyes, a much bigger bearing on how successful you are going to be. Liam has got those qualities.”
‘Turmoil’
The word “stability”, or lack thereof, comes up a few times as Levein — walking his dog around scenic Loch Leven as he chats to Courier Sport — addresses the Tannadice vacancy.
United are seeking to recruit their fifth permanent manager since 2020, with Robbie Neilson, Micky Mellon, Tam Courts and Jack Ross all exiting the Tannadice revolving door.
Levein continued: “There has been a bit of turmoil in recent years, in terms of the managerial situation, with Robbie, Micky, Tam and Jack moving on so quickly.
“Stability is paramount to the success of a football club in the long-term and, for whatever reason, there has been so much shuffling of the pack.
“If you stop to consider it, it’s madness.”
On how equipped Fox, still only 38 years of age, is to handle the scrutiny of potentially bossing the transient Tangerines, Levein smiled: “It’s not so much about the pressures of managing Dundee United these days — it’s every club.
“It’s not the club that’s the problem; it’s the occupation!
“You are out there, bare-naked, open to criticism from all angles — on so many platforms — if you don’t produce. But that’s the deal. That’s the job.
“If you want to put yourself in that situation, and if Liam gets the role, then there’s no point in bleating about it. He’ll know that.”
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