United’s slow response to Houston saga angers Levein

Following talks between United manager Houston and chairman Stephen Thompson over the weekend, the Tannadice club finally issued a statement on Sunday evening confirming their “unequivocal support” for the 53-year-old.

The directors’ backing came 24 hours after Houston – who had come under pressure following United’s disappointing start to the SPL season and League Cup exit to Falkirk – had led his side to a timely 4-1 victory against Dunfermline at East End Park. However, Levein - who was a guest in the studio during BBC’s Sportscene programme hours after United’s statement was circulated - believes the Tannadice board should have acted far more promptly to quash speculation surrounding the future of Houston, who is also Scotland’s assistant manager.

“I’m angry because they should’ve come out long before now and dismissed all this nonsense,” said Levein. “I don’t know where this has come from, but if someone behind the scenes has been briefing the press, then that’s disgraceful.”

Levein was Houston’s predecessor at Tannadice until 2009, when he vacated the post to become manager of the national team. Houston, who had been his assistant, stepped up to the top job and guided the team to glory in the 2010 Scottish Cup in his first season in charge.

Houston also steered United into third place in his maiden campaign, and fourth last season, earning back-to-back European qualifications, but having lost a number of key players – including David Goodwillie, Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben – they have struggled so far this season. The win on Saturday was only their third league success of 2011-12.

However, Levein has been stung by the level of scrutiny Houston’s recent record has been under. “Housty has had a really difficult job this season,” added Levein. “We built a team there but a lot of them left in the summer. He has had to start again, almost – and he’s had his wage bill cut and lost his best players.

“The club should have come out a while ago to say ‘look, we are going through a transitional period, we are working with younger players and it’s going to take time’. For anyone to question the job he has done there is just ridiculous. It’s hard enough being a football manager but particularly when you have lost your best players.

“I feel very strongly about it and am glad to see this statement has been made, but it should have been made far, far earlier.”

Houston, meanwhile, thanked the club’s fans last night for helping him through his most difficult week in management.

Thompson had come back from a holiday in America early in response to their League Cup exit, fuelling the uncertainty over Houston’s future, but the Tangerines support made it clear they are behind the manager by chanting his name before kick-off and throughout the 90 minutes as United beat Dunfermline 4-1.

“The fans were magnificent on Saturday,” said Houston. “They have been good with me and I want to thank them for that. Even before a ball was kicked they showed their support and I think they realise that everyone is trying their best. It was very nice to hear them chant my name and I’m just glad we gave them a victory to send them up the road happy.

“I have said in the past that our away fans are perhaps not the biggest band of followers but they are always noisy and get behind the team. The players and the coaching staff appreciate it.” Both United and Houston are now keen to draw a line under last week’s events and the manager is now looking forward to taking his players to face in-form Rangers on Saturday.

“The meeting went fine and the club’s statement says it all,” said Houston. “We are moving forward. A situation developed and it has been brought to a conclusion now. I have been focused on the job and as a manager you have to handle these things when they come up. Now we just want to get on with the Rangers game.”

United face Rangers, Hearts, Motherwell and Celtic in the next few weeks and Houston insists his team are relishing the prospect of facing the SPL’s top four teams. He said: “We have some hard games coming up but it is something we’re looking forward to. We have moved up the league and are only five points behind Hearts, who are in fourth, now so we want to keep that going. Going to Ibrox will be difficult but if we are at our best and they are 10 per cent off it then we’ll have a chance.

“If they are at the top of their game then it’s very difficult but if you catch them on a poor day then it’s possible. You don’t judge your team on those games but you certainly don’t go to places like Ibrox or Parkhead with any fear either. We are looking forward to it.”