Levein given United director role

Eddie Thompson has given Levein a seat on the Tannadice board

Dundee United manager Craig Levein has been given an additional role as director of football at the club.

Announcing the Scottish Premier League club's annual financial results, chairman Eddie Thompson said Levein would bring experience to the board.

"He is widely respected throughout the game and I've come to rely on his expert advice on a number of matters relating to Dundee United," he said.

United's operating losses fell from £761,000 to £509,000 in the past year.

Interview: Dundee Utd manager Craig Levein

Interview: Dundee Utd chairman Eddie Thompson

Supermarket millionaire Thompson has ploughed more than £5m of his own money into the Tannadice outfit.

His family will also be more involved in the new set-up, with his wife Cath and daughter Justine, joining son and current director Stephen, in the boardroom.

The club's latest financial results for the year to June 2007 show "disappointingly static" turnover, with gate and season ticket revenue down.

The club said the overall wage bill had been reduced, turnover falling to 64%, with the players' wages to turnover ratio falling to just 40%.

Craig understands football finance, budgeting and is an excellent man-manager Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson

Thompson said he was pleased the strict cost control at the club ensured it would survive in the current difficult financial climate.

On the changing role played by Levein at the club, Thompson said: "In Craig we have a manager who can not only achieve long-term improvements on the park, but who can also bring valuable football-related experience and knowledge to the board.

"He understands football finance, budgeting and is an excellent man-manager.

"It has been no surprise to hear of speculation linking him to other managerial posts and I am therefore delighted that he readily agreed to accept this position and to strengthen his association with Dundee United."