Hopkin has a new admirer in Shrewsbury
SHREWSBURY TOWN have confirmed David Hopkin is on their radar after the promotion-winning manager asked for extra time to weigh up his future at Livingston.
Hopkin is out of contract after leading his side to a remarkable play-off success over Partick Thistle, but the West Lothian club have put forward a renewal offer and a proposal for a significantly increased budget.
The 47-year-old will now consider his next step while on holiday, with Livingston remaining optimistic he could stay in charge for their Premiership campaign.
Hopkin is a man in wider demand, however, with St Mirren keen to speak to him as they assess potential successors to Jack Ross.
He was also wanted by Carlisle United, but a more attractive English option might emerge at Shrewsbury, who missed out on promotion to the Championship in a play-off final defeat to Rotherham.
The League One club are set to lose manager Paul Hurst to Ipswich Town and chief executive Brian Caldwell admitted Hopkin had caught their eye.
‘I’m open to a number of options just now,’ Caldwell told BBC Shropshire. ‘David’s done well at Livingston on a very limited budget.
‘So, from that point of view, yes, that’s of interest to me. It’s somebody that can punch above his weight in the same way as Paul does. David’s done an incredible job at Livingston in the last couple of years, taking them into the Scottish Premiership.
‘I’m not saying that he’s one of the ones who’s definitely going to be there. All I’m saying is that I’m open to looking at suggestions and, if and when Paul goes, the chairman and I will sit down and discuss all the attributes of each individual we want.’
Livingston are proceeding with season-ticket sales and infrastructure changes, with Hopkin set to remain in contact with the club while he is away.
‘David has been open and honest with the board and verified that he has had other interest,’ said a club statement. ‘He heads off on holiday on Wednesday and will use that time to reflect and come to a decision on his future.
‘The transfer window is closed until June 10, so the board is comfortable in giving David this time. We are hopeful that the offer will encourage him to remain with the club and take us forward in the Premiership.
‘The club will continue to push on with our pre-season schedule and player recruitment, with the help of the coaching staff at the club.’