Good start is essential for Levein to be a Scot success, says Smith
New Scotland manager Craig Levein will have the backing of the nation. Photo: Getty Images
Thursday December 24 2009
CRAIG LEVEIN will have the backing of the nation -- and the Tartan Army will forgive him if Scotland do not beat international heavyweights -- but the new manager has got to produce positive results from the start, according to Walter Smith.
The Rangers manager, who cleared the way for Levein's appointment when he declined to be considered for a second spell in charge of Scotland, said that his experience in the job had taught him that goodwill that is extended to the new man is a prime asset.
"What is different from club football is that initially you have the backing of the entire country," said Smith. "Everyone is behind you and if you do manage to achieve a good result, that momentum builds.
"And it is about results. We're not going to kid ourselves, we're not going to win major championships or the World Cup.
"The challenge is to qualify for the tournaments and if you get a result against the bigger nations the backing is tremendous. It's a really enjoyable job when you're at that level.
Results
"The initial part is always OK, but you have to get results quickly in that job, I'm sure Craig will do that. I haven't spoken to Craig but he's the best man for the job.
"You can go into a club side and it can take you a period of time to adjust and settle in. At international level you've got to start well, there is no build-up period.
"It's no use telling people you're planning for another tournament or another six games down the line. It's the one pressure which comes with the job.
"It's the kind of job where if you don't get results right away you can encounter problems, but international football in the main isn't a long-term outlook.
"You pick players you think can win you a game. People will understand if you don't beat France or Italy, but Craig is experienced enough to know that.
"You might not have a group of players to work with on a regular basis but you've got to show you can adapt to that. That's probably the biggest challenge."
Smith warned last week that the biggest difficulty Levein will face is the transition from the day to day business of club management to the much more sporadic task of supervising the national side, and he returned to the theme when he said: "From what I read Craig might have a wider reach in the job that will maybe keep him a wee bit busier -- for me that was the only frustration to the job.
"You have a fortnight of intense preparation and pressure, you have the media, the team work and then the game, then all of a sudden, it all finishes." (©Daily Telegraph, London)
- Roddy Forsyth
Irish Independent
