Craig urges clubs to follow Hearts' Hall of Fame example

CRAIG LEVEIN believes all clubs should take their lead from Hearts and introduce a Hall of Fame to honour past and present players.

The former manager and defender returned to Tynecastle to speak about his own nomination for the event, which Hearts are hosting at Prestonfield on Thursday, November 9 to recognise the achievements of their ex-players. "It's something I think all clubs should do because too often former players don't get acknowledged to the extent they should be," said Levein.

"In particular with this club, they haven't been welcomed back as often, or with as much affection, as they should have.

"The Hall of Fame is a great idea to recognise some of the people who played here."

Levein, who is currently managing Second Division Raith Rovers, played for Hearts for 14 years before injury forced him into retirement in 1997. He returned to manage the club in 2000 and enjoyed four successful years at the helm, leading the club into Europe twice.

"It's obviously a great honour to be mentioned alongside the other guys who have been nominated for the Hall of Fame, both current players and guys who have played for Hearts in the past. I first found out about it around three months ago and ever since then I've been really looking forward to the evening."

The Hall of Fame nominees are: Stephane Adam, Willie Bauld, Alfie Conn, John Cumming, Freddie Glidden, Craig Levein, Craig Gordon, Paul Hartley, Dave Mackay, Gary Mackay, Robbie Neilson, Steven Pressley, John Robertson and Jimmy Wardhaugh.

Taken from the Daily Record