Levein on Mikey Stewart

[Wilo]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/hearts-boss-craig-levein-says-pundit-michael-stewart-has-agenda-1-4628666

Hearts manager Craig Levein has contacted BBC Scotland to voice concern about ongoing criticism from pundit Michael Stewart which he deems to be driven by a personal grudge.

The pair didn’t see eye to eye when Stewart played under Levein during a spell on loan at Tynecastle from Manchester United 13 years ago, and the 36-year-old former midfielder has never made a secret of the fact he doesn’t like the current Hearts manager.

While Levein has no issue with Stewart or anyone else voicing their opinion, he is disappointed with the BBC Scotland for allowing someone who has clearly stated he doesn’t like him to then be allowed such an elevated platform with the national broadcaster to analyse his work and, by extension, “whip up” sections of the Hearts support against him.

The manager doesn’t believe it is a coincidence that Stewart – a prominent radio pundit on Sportsound and a television analyst for Sportscene – has been his most vociferous media critic since he returned to Tynecastle in 2014, initially as director of football. “Just because Michael says something, it doesn’t mean that we are doing everything wrong,” said Levein. “It is personal with Michael and he is just making a fool of himself. I don’t particularly like him and I hear he doesn’t like me. I’m actually not that bothered about Michael or what he says but I am annoyed at the BBC. For him to admit that he has an agenda and for them to still allow him the platform, for me, that is a nonsense.

“He is trying to whip up fans and, as I say, it is the BBC. They have allowed him that opportunity but I have had a conversation so we will see what happens. I have spoken to (BBC Radio Scotland editor) Tom Connor and we will see what happens. The details of the conversation will remain between Tom and I.”

While Levein was generally in lighthearted mood when discussing his nemesis, it is clear he felt a personal vendetta was at play after he was alerted to Stewart’s comments on Sportsound last Saturday evening in the aftermath of the goalless draw with Ross County. Stewart was clearly bemused with the manager’s upbeat post-match interview in which he played down the suggestion that a lot of fans had booed Hearts off and insisted his team had “played some really good football and created loads of chances”. The pundit described the claims as “bizarre” amid a scathing analysis of Levein’s three-month tenure as manager.

“Somebody drew my attention to what he was saying after the game on Saturday, when we played well and had all those chances, and it got to the point where I thought ‘listen, if he can’t accept that and is still trying to pick holes in it, for me, it comes back to the BBC allowing him to do that’. That is more worrying than what he’s actually saying,” said the former Scotland manager.

“Someone was telling me that he was trawling about on Saturday night trying to find stuff on the internet to prove that we hadn’t played well. It is hysterical. He just needs to chill. He’s going to self-combust one day, that’s for sure. He thinks he is doing his best for Hearts and I am certainly trying to do my best for Hearts.

“Listen, it is a bit of frivolity for me here – I probably shouldn’t get involved. But on a serious note, I do think that if someone has admitted that they have an agenda, to then give them a platform to continue to rant... I’m not at any point saying that I don’t deserve any criticism. I have had more criticism than most, particularly during my time at Scotland, but criticism of me at that time was valid. But when he has admitted he has an agenda and keeps going on about the same stuff over and over and over again, I just don’t see how that is fair. I just don’t get it. The BBC, for me, have always been a company that plays it straight down the middle. He doesn’t like me, he’s said that. He’s openly admitted it, and I don’t like him. I can take criticism if it’s fair and it’s based on something other than a grudge.”

Stewart started three matches and made six substitute appearances under Levein in the first three months of the 2004/05 season before the manager left to take over at Leicester City. Stewart then had two seasons with Hibs before returning to Hearts for a second spell in 2007, which lasted for three years and encompassed 100 games. The Edinburgh-born player was handed the captaincy by Csaba Laszlo at the start of what would be his final season at Hearts. Reflecting on his time as Stewart’s manager, Levein said: “All I can say about Michael is that his agent at the time was George Wright, who used to play here (for Hearts). We didn’t have any money at the time but George said that Man United would cover his salary. But we had to put something on the contract so it was £1 a week and, without doubt, it was the worst value for money I have ever had from any player, and that is a fact.”



That quote about him being terrible value at £1 a week is legendary.  About time he came out fighting.

[Thought Police]

He’s spot on. I won’t deny that a lot of what Stewart says is solid analysis, but how can someone who has clearly such an agenda be allowed to constantly have digs? We created a lot of chances last week but Stewart is very selective in his analysis.

 

The final paragraph is amazing. Stewart was absolutely minging in his first spell.

[sadj]

That final paragraph ????

[dsk1210]

Criticism when it's due is fine but we did play well on Saturday, should have finished some chances but that happens. 

[XB52]

At last Levein comes out fighting, about time.

[Gambo]

So does this mean we have been playing great football and had great results?

[Jambof3tornado]

Sportscene should be interesting if we lose!!

[karipidis]

Well said Craig. 

[Mikey1874]

Good fun

 

 

[Robbo51]

[Mr Sifter]

Levein is spot on. Last saturday MS spent ten minutes tellin us that CL was responsible for the putting together of this squad. Fair point. But he spent ten minutes sayin the same thing the week before. And the week before that. And no doubt he'll reiterate it again at some point this weekend too. 

 

MS is a decent pundit but anything he says regarding Hearts these days must be taken with a pinch of salt. He's really really bitter and it clouds every single point he might have, whether it be a decent one or not. 

 

CL is well within his rights to tell MS to STFU. 

 

...and some of our 'support' could do with pulling themselves out of MS's arse and get back to supporting our club. 

 

[Mr Sifter]

1 minute ago, Gambo said:

So does this mean we have been playing great football and had great results?

 

No. Why would you even think that? 

[MrB1to4]

Levein said: “All I can say about Michael is that his agent at the time was George Wright, who used to play here (for Hearts). We didn’t have any money at the time but George said that Man United would cover his salary. But we had to put something on the contract so it was £1 a week and, without doubt, it was the worst value for money I have ever had from any player, and that is a fact"

 

Can you come back from that burn? ?

 

I used to quite like Stewart but he's turned into a right twat since Levein came in and even more so since manager. There is definitely more focus on flaws than postitives with him now. Levein is right, BBC should be called out for this. Is there more critism aimed at Levein on a BBC platform from Stewart compared to any restrictions he might have when on BT Sports. 

 

Levein should just bump his tv licence 

[Pistol1874]

2 minutes ago, Gambo said:

So does this mean we have been playing great football and had great results?

Don’t be a dick.

[Gambo]

Just now, Mr Sifter said:

 

No. Why would you even think that? 

Because Stewart says results and performances have been poor, yet folk have a go at him.

[Hungry hippo]

I've always liked Stewart but there is no doubt he is only covering our games from one angle at the moment.

[Midfield Terrier]

I wonder if Stewart can brush off criticism as easily as he dishes it out.

 

I suspect not - he's got an ego the size of Sputnik.

[Bowmans_Boot]

Excellent response from CL. Hopefully he does still have the passion and desire. 

[Jambos1983]

Welcome back Craig Levein. Where have you been hiding? 

[Hearts lad]

Levein doing his best to get people to focus on his squabbling with Stewart rather than the fact that nothings changed since he's been in charge, so he's basically spat the dummy because somebody isn't listening to his soundbites after every shit performance and says something that he doesn't want to hear. 

[Coburg Hearts]

3 minutes ago, Mr Sifter said:

Levein is spot on. Last saturday MS spent ten minutes tellin us that CL was responsible for the putting together of this squad. Fair point. But he spent ten minutes sayin the same thing the week before. And the week before that. And no doubt he'll reiterate it again at some point this weekend too. 

 

MS is a decent pundit but anything he says regarding Hearts these days must be taken with a pinch of salt. He's really really bitter and it clouds every single point he might have, whether it be a decent one or not. 

 

CL is well within his rights to tell MS to STFU. 

 

...and some of our 'support' could do with pulling themselves out of MS's arse and get back to supporting our club. 

 

Agree with all of that, apart from the highlighted bit.

[Macros]

That value for money quote 

[Mr Sifter]

Just now, Gambo said:

Because Stewart says results and performances have been poor, yet folk have a go at him.

 

I honestly dunno if you're just being smart (or a dick as someone else has said) or completely misses the whole point. 

 

Either way, read the story back again and you'll see how ridiculous any connection you're tryin to make is??

[redm]

Well, you can’t say MS hasn’t been trying to get a ride out of him for weeks now. So there it is. 

 

Love it. ?

 

[Jamboelite]

7 minutes ago, Gambo said:

So does this mean we have been playing great football and had great results?

Shut up Gambo you are the JKB equivalent of Stewart.

[Bazzas right boot]

We need to win now or Stewart will pish himself laughing.

[Beast Boy]

Personally I like Levein and think Mickey Stewart is a bitter ****ing bellend. 

 

Levein sums him up in his last paragraph. Good to see some fire in his belly.

[kila]

Stewart does like to put a negative spin on Hearts/Levein, but can be spot on at times while other times just sheer bitter

 

 

[andy65]

Just now, XB52 said:

At last Levein comes out fighting, about time.

Exactly . MS was rank , end of. Never made it with Man U, never made with us or Hibs has a huge opinion of his own experience and utterly feck all to back it up with. CL on the other hand survived two horrific knee injuries and still got 16 full caps and played in a World Cup - MS 1 friendly cap, CL has managed at a decent level MS hasn’t. His credentials are based on having a big gob and like all has a right to voice them but trying to kid folk that he has a decent pedigree based on a pretty short professional career - nonsense!! 

Having said all that I would have preferred it was the club came out fighting as this will only fuel and ongoing debate and the BBC will love it as yet again they don’t talk about Sevco nonsense or Celtic diving instead it will be laughing at Hearts . But hey ho adds spice to the weekend !! 

[Mr Sifter]

4 minutes ago, Hearts lad said:

Levein doing his best to get people to focus on his squabbling with Stewart rather than the fact that nothings changed since he's been in charge, so he's basically spat the dummy because somebody isn't listening to his soundbites after every shit performance and says something that he doesn't want to hear. 

 

How the **** can you take that from the OP? This place is mental, honestly. 

[Coburg Hearts]

1 minute ago, kila said:

Stewart does like to put a negative spin on Hearts/Levein, but can be spot on at times while others just sheer bitter

 

 

Name one pundit who is as bitter as Stewart regarding Levein?

[Beast Boy]

4 minutes ago, Hearts lad said:

Levein doing his best to get people to focus on his squabbling with Stewart rather than the fact that nothings changed since he's been in charge, so he's basically spat the dummy because somebody isn't listening to his soundbites after every shit performance and says something that he doesn't want to hear. 

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

 

[Gambo]

1 minute ago, Mr Sifter said:

 

I honestly dunno if you're just being smart (or a dick as someone else has said) or completely misses the whole point. 

 

Either way, read the story back again and you'll see how ridiculous any connection you're tryin to make is??

Levein says Stewart is trying to" whip up" the Hearts support by saying results and performances have been poor.............now my eyes tell me Stewart is on to something or do you with your eye

[Beast Boy]

4 minutes ago, redm said:

Well, you can’t say MS hasn’t been trying to get a ride out of him for weeks now. So there it is. 

 

Love it. ?

 

 

[Peebo]

1 minute ago, Barack said:

GIF not really working here (as great as it is)...

 

Anyway, Stewart is a ****ing bellend and was a ****ing shite player for us. Well done Levein (who is also an arrogant prick). 

[Spencer]

The whole thing is rather tragic imo 

[kila]

Just now, Coburg Hearts said:

Name one pundit who is as bitter as Stewart regarding Levein?

 

My wording was poor, edited it

[Gambo]

I will ask the Jkb massive again.......are results and performances poor?

 

[Bowmans_Boot]

3 minutes ago, kila said:

Stewart does like to put a negative spin on Hearts/Levein, but can be spot on at times while other times just sheer bitter

 

 

While MS is correct at times, even on those occasions he remains very, very bitter. 

[Beave1874]

But we had to put something on the contract so it was £1 a week and, without doubt, it was the worst value for money I have ever had from any player, and that is a fact"

 

Booooommmmm.... ******* love it!!

 

[Beast Boy]

1 minute ago, Gambo said:

Levein says Stewart is trying to" whip up" the Hearts support by saying results and performances have been poor.............now my eyes tell me Stewart is on to something or do you with your eye

 

Saturday’s Performance was decent and things are visibly starting to click. It takes time though. As difficult as that is to accept for someone who just plain hates the man and throws all reason at the nursery wall every time his name is mentioned.

[Thought Police]

Craig Levein is more of a PHM than any of us

[queensferryjambo]

There is no doubt a lot of criticism is warranted but Stewart has been far too overboard about Levein for a long time.

 

Kind of wish that Levein had never taken the bait and ignored Stewart though. I suppose there is only so much shite you are willing to take off a below average player who has never managed in football for a day in his life.  

 

Michael Stewart as far as I can see doesn't have a good word to say about anyone in football (apart from Fergie, Keano and Giggsy of course) in fact he doesn't even seem to like the game.

 

His interview by Monday Night Fitbaw pretty much sums up his honking attitude towards the people who he has worked with and paid his wages for years. 

 

 

[Spencer]

3 minutes ago, andy65 said:

Exactly . MS was rank , end of. Never made it with Man U, never made with us or Hibs has a huge opinion of his own experience and utterly feck all to back it up with. CL on the other hand survived two horrific knee injuries and still got 16 full caps and played in a World Cup - MS 1 friendly cap, CL has managed at a decent level MS hasn’t. His credentials are based on having a big gob and like all has a right to voice them but trying to kid folk that he has a decent pedigree based on a pretty short professional career - nonsense!! 

Having said all that I would have preferred it was the club came out fighting as this will only fuel and ongoing debate and the BBC will love it as yet again they don’t talk about Sevco nonsense or Celtic diving instead it will be laughing at Hearts . But hey ho adds spice to the weekend !! 

Perhaps. But he was earning £520,000 a year in his early 20's so it's not all bad I guess 

[Mr Sifter]

Just now, Gambo said:

Levein says Stewart is trying to" whip up" the Hearts support by saying results and performances have been poor.............now my eyes tell me Stewart is on to something or do you with your eye

 

If you don't think that MS has an agenda against Hearts right now and don't think it's right he's been called out on it then more power to you. 

 

Youre thinking this this is an argument about whether or not we've been playin well ffs, is there any point conversing when you're no even grasping the main point of the thread?

 

You must be at it. Must be. 

[JamboAl]

I would disregard anything the Pound Shop pundit says.  He brought disgrace to Hearts with his petulance and couldn't even kick a bottle properly.

 

[RudiHMFC]

1 minute ago, Spencer said:

The whole thing is rather tragic imo 

 

Yep. Suppose we can talk about this instead of focusing on how utterly dreadful we've been on the pitch though.

[Beast Boy]

2 minutes ago, Spencer said:

The whole thing is rather tragic imo 

 

Pretty much how I feel about your boring and persistent campaign against Levein tbh.

[Coburg Hearts]

2 minutes ago, kila said:

 

My wording was poor, edited it

Fair do's 

[HeartsInMyBlood]

I like having CL in charge (certainly compared to his predecessor) and MS is free to deliver some 'punditry' but more and more he comes across as bitter.  Think there is a need for him to take a break. That's all.