Stewart Regan remains tight-lipped on Craig Levein’s future

Published on Wednesday 17 October 2012 12:50

SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan has admitted disappointment at Scotland’s latest defeat sending the country to the bottom of World Cup Qualifying Group A after only four games, but refused to be drawn on whether Craig Levein would remain as manager for the November friendly against Luxembourg.

Speaking about Levein’s future after a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in Brussels, Regan said: “I think that’s a decision for the board.

“We’re all bitterly disappointed to find ourselves bottom of the group.

“Now is not the time to be making announcements and decisions. That’s something that’ll happen over the course of the next few days.”

In four games, Scotland have failed to register a single victory, including a disappointing draw against Macedonia, and losing 2-1 to Wales in Cardiff after going a goal up. Macedonia’s unexpected win over Croatia last night sent Scotland crashing to the bottom of the group.

Regan added: “It’s important that we just reflect on the start to the campaign, sit down with the manager and with the board and actually look at what’s happened over the last few matches and, in particular, what’s happened in the last two games and then decide on our course of action.

Levein has only managed three wins out of 12 competitive fixtures - two narrow wins over Leichtenstein and a 1-0 win over Lithuania.

Speaking about last night’s loss in Brussels, Regan said: “I think we expected a difficult match against Belgium, recognising the quality of their team and how many of them are playing at the very highest levels of the Premiership.

“Probably the more difficult one to swallow was the match against Wales on Friday night, where we were 1-0 up with nine minutes to go then lost the match 2-1.”

Scotland’s chances of qualifying for Rio 2014 now look all but finished, with Levein insisting he is committed to the job and believes Scotland can improve. Regan has also confirmed that the former Hearts and Dundee United manager will have a chance to defend his record.

Taken from the Scotsman