Peter Leven has joined Aberdeen as a part of Barry Robson’s coaching staff.

The 39-year-old former Kilmarnock and MK Dons midfielder will assume the first-team coach role vacated by Liam Fox at the end of the 2022/23 season.

During his playing career Leven made a name for himself at Rugby Park and then spent seven years playing in English football with the likes of Chesterfield, Oxford, and that three-year stint at Stadium MK.

A long-term knee injury forced him into early retirement at just 29, but he was soon progressed into the coaching world, taking an Academy post with Middlesbrough. He was Lee McCulloch’s assistant at Kilmarnock for two years before a successful two years coaching spell at Belarusian Premier League side Dynamo Brest.

As a part of that coaching team led by current Dynamo Mosco boss Marcel Lička, Dynamo won the 2019 League title and two Belarusian Super Cups, qualifying to the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

He would link up once again with Lička at Russian club FC Orenburg in 2021, with the duo helping guide the team to immediate promotion to the Russian top-flight via the play-offs.

Back in Scotland, he’ll now look to utilise that experience both in the UK and abroad to assist Barry Robson and Steve Agnew with the first team, but also provide the pathway bridge for young players moving towards the first-team squad.

“Peter is someone I have known for a while”, said manager Barry Robson.

“I was on my pro licence with him, and I was really impressed. He’s really intense, enthusiastic and he also has great contacts all over Europe which will be really beneficial as we prepare for the challenges which lie ahead in European this season.

“He’s also worked with young players who are getting close to the first team so that wide ranging coaching experience will be invaluable as he supports the pathway for young talent here at Aberdeen.”

Peter is eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his coaching career.

He said: “Aberdeen is a huge club, so I am delighted to be given the opportunity to be part of Barry’s staff.

“Barry has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve this season and has high standards driven by himself and his coaching staff, so I am really excited about the challenge ahead which lies ahead.”