Lee Clark's plan for Peter Leven in the event of Rotherham United putting a longer contract on the table
LEE Clark will seek to keep hold of his right-hand man if he is handed the chance to remain in the Rotherham United hot-seat beyond the end of this season.
The Geordie took the manager's job in March on a short-term deal until the close of the League One campaign and will soon discover whether the Millers would like to retain his services for a longer period.
Within days of his arrival, Clark brought in Peter Leven as his number two and would love to continue working with the former Chesterfield player whom he first came across north of the border nearly a decade ago.
“Pete is a terrific coach,” the boss said. “I knew that from our time together at Kilmarnock. He was brilliant with the players and I've seen an improvement in him since.
“I went back down south, Pete I stayed up in Scotland and had spells as interim manager three times with a big club in Aberdeen. His quality of work has improved fantastically. His coaching is superb and he's also added that managerial experience.
“He's been big here - and he will be big again if the situation is that I'm staying here.”
Clark and Leven teamed up to save Kilmarnock from relegation from the Scottish Premiership. They arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium too light to prevent Rotherham dropping down a division and the Millers will be a League Two outfit next term.
The latter, who has also been a coach and assistant boss in Russia, had just parted company with Aberdeen when the opportunity to move to South Yorkshire came his way.
He has built up a good reputation and won't be short of suitors.
“Pete would play a big part for us,” Clark said. “The worry that I would have then is, I know there would be clubs looking to him as a head coach/manager. That's how highly thought of he is in the game. But they're good worries to have when you know your staff are being wanted for various positions elsewhere.”