Levein 'surprised' by St Johnstone sacking

Craig Levein won 11 of his 39 games in charge of St Johnstone

Craig Levein says he was surprised to be sacked by St Johnstone, but insists he has "no issues" with owner Adam Webb.

The former Scotland boss was dismissed earlier this week after four successive defeats, with coaches Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland taking interim charge for Saturday's trip to Ross County.

Levein, 59, was appointed last November with the Perth club bottom of the Scottish Premiership, and managed to secure their top-flight survival with a 10th-placed finish.

However, St Johnstone are now looking for their third manager in the last 12 months after losing four of their opening five league games.

"It was a surprise, but I've been in this movie before and no doubt I'll be in it again, if I get back in," Levein told BBC Scotland Sportsound.

"I do think the performances have been good. Results haven't been as good as the performances.

"Five sendings-off didn't help and we had a few injuries. I thought the team was competing in every match, but it's Adam's club and he's decided it's time for me to go."

Webb took control of St Johnstone this summer, following almost four decades of Geoff Brown's ownership at McDiarmid Park.

The American lawyer is being treated for cancer of the head and neck, but intends to lead the appointment of a new manager before taking medical leave, aiming to return in December.

"I think Adam was looking at the bigger picture," added Levein. "I got on alright with him, but the priorities for me were about improving the squad and getting results.

"If you don't get results, the chances are you lose your job and that's exactly what has happened.

"I think there were good signs the team were better than last season - we were playing better football and creating more chances. I felt we had a good chance of getting into the top six with the firepower we have.

"Adam calls the shots and I've got to respect that. American owners all seem to want to bring their guys in. I feel like I've done a decent job at St Johnstone, staying up last season and then the signings improving the team."