Aberdeen manager Barry Robson has welcomed Peter Leven to his backroom staff.

The 39-year-old former Kilmarnock and MK Dons midfielder will take on the first-team coach role vacated by Liam Fox, who left at the end of last season to become Hearts’ B team coach.

Leven began his coaching career in Middlesbrough’s academy and had a spell as assistant at Killie under Lee Clark and then Lee McCulloch, while his most recent roles have been abroad in Belarus and then Russia.

“Peter is someone I have known for a while,” said Robson told the Reds’ website.

“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 football 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.”

Leven is relishing the opportunity to work alongside Robson and his assistant Steve Agnew.

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

“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 which lies ahead.”