Source: Team_Talk
Wilkie: Levein loss would be big blow
The defender was not surprised in the slightest to hear that the Tannadice boss has already emerged as one of the front-runners for the job.[LNB]Levein and Rangers manager Walter Smith have been installed as the early bookmakers' favourites to replace George Burley after his 22-month reign came to an end on Monday.[LNB]Wilkie said: "The manager has done a good job at United and his name has come up for the Scotland job before so I'm not really surprised that he is one of the favourites this time.[LNB]"It would be a huge blow if we were to lose him. He has a long-term idea of what he wants to do at United.[LNB]"He has shown that by trying to improve things from youth development right through to the first team.[LNB]"If he were to leave in the middle of that, it would be a blow for United and the players.[LNB]"Like any manager, it probably depends on the right opportunity coming along and whether he thinks the Scotland job is the right opportunity.[LNB]"It's a great job and a big opportunity to manage your country.[LNB]"Whether it's a big enough job to leave United for, that's up to him to decide. But I wouldn't hold it against him if that was the case."[LNB]United chairman Stephen Thompson has already publicly stated his desire to retain the services of Levein and Wilkie fully expects him to put up a fight if the Scottish Football Association come calling.[LNB]But the big centre-back fears he would be fighting a losing battle if Levein has his heart set on becoming the next Scotland manager.[LNB]He said: "He has turned the club around since he has been here as manager. It's not just the first team he has improved, it's everything at the club.[LNB]"I'm sure Stephen Thompson will try his hardest to keep him.[LNB]"But if the manager decides the Scotland job is too much to turn down, I'm not sure if there is a lot the chairman can do."[LNB][LNB]
