Michael Stewart has continued his ongoing feud with former Hearts manager Craig Levein, insisting that time has proven him right in his disparaging assessment of the former Scotland boss’ coaching ability.
The pair have not been shy in hiding their shared dislike and routinely enjoy taking pot-shots at each other in the media.
Stewart, an outspoken pundit, was appearing on BBC Radio Scotland’s Open All Mics programme when the prospect of Gordon Strachan taking over at Aberdeen was brought up. During the debate, Tom English pointed out that Strachan hasn’t been a manager for six years but Stewart had no problem with this.
Dons legend Willie Miller then suggested that Levein could be a candidate for the vacancy at Pittodrie, prompting a dumbfounded Stewart to respond.
Stewart said: “I have always been upfront and honest and I think my criticisms of Craig Levein have borne fruit and have been correct.
“He is not a good manager and if you want to talk about being out the game – he has been out the game for a couple of years now. And no wonder he’s not lined up for another job because he did a horrific job at Hearts.”
After a brief discussion, English then told Stewart to “give it a rest with Craig Levein”, before adding “it’s nothing to do with Craig Levein”.
Stewart replied: “What are you talking about? His name was brought up and I’m saying it is not comparable to put his name in the same bracket as Gordon Strachan.”
A goal at Easter Road – the match Stewart was commentating on – interrupted the argument before Stewart continued.
“That is embarrassing, by the way,” he said. “That is embarrassing, some of the comments that are coming out there.
“Any time I try to pass comment on it, someone tries to belittle it. And what I’ll say is my criticism of him has borne fruit and turned out to be correct.
“He did a horrendous job at Hearts when he was director of football and manager. He basically sent the club down. He had horrific signings at the club. Ninety-six players. Ninety-six!”
