Scotland manager Craig Levein last night said he will pass up the chance to work as a Scottish Cup final TV pundit, in favour of enjoying the day with his former club Dundee United.
The national team coach spoke at the unveiling of the new Levein Lounge at Tannadice, named after him in recognition of the turnaround in the club’s fortunes during his tenure.
Boasting a bar, three flat-screen TVs and framed United shirts from down the years, the new suite will be open to season ticket holders only.
Levein admitted he had been surprised to learn the club planned to name the room after him, with so many other contenders with links to the team.
He said, “To be honest I was slightly surprised and embarrassed when the club phoned because so many other people have done great things here but I am absolutely delighted.
“I was only at the club a short time but there are so many great people at Dundee United and I am thrilled to have this honour.
“The biggest thing for me is that the club has continued to progress after I left. We worked hard over the last three years and each year we got stronger.
“I have been offered a lot of media commitments for the Scottish Cup final but I turned them all down because I want to go there to enjoy myself.”
The lounge a former gym has been decorated to be suitable for non-football functions.
United chairman Stephen Thompson said, “It is a great facility and will be well used. Craig has done a lot for the club so we thought it was fitting he had his own part in our history.
Jim Milne, of Hi-Tech Acoustics, and club board members Gibby Haggart and John Bennett were instrumental in bringing the project together.
Mr Haggart said, “Before this you had the corporate hospitality or the pie huts and nothing in between. Now we have somewhere the fans can enjoy and it will be used not just for football events but for weddings, birthdays and other functions.”
Before the kick-off against Rangers, former United player Dave Bowman took to the touchline to present a cheque to the skin cancer charity associated with the club.
He said, “It was raised during a charity match against Lomond United five weeks ago and I think we made around £340. We have a team of Dundee United legends that play games against teams made up from members of the public for £100, with all the money going to charity.”
The next charity match will be held at Tannadice on May 7.