Rookie coach would jump at chance of Livvy job

KEVIN THOMSON is hoping the Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard effect can see him become the new manager of Livingston. The former Rangers, Hibernian and Scotland midfielder confirmed he is keen to take over from David Hopkin at the Premiership new boys after impressing as a youth coach at Ibrox. Other names in the frame include John Hartson, Lee McCulloch, Jim Duffy, Robbie Neilson and Alan Stubbs. But after watching rookies Gerrard, Lampard and Joey Barton take charge of Rangers, Derby County and Fleetwood Town respectively, Thomson insists he is also ready and willing to take on his first managerial post at the age of 33. ‘Do I want the Livingston job? I’d be interested in it,’ said Thomson. ‘I’ve not spoken to them. But I’ve enquired about it to see what their thoughts were. ‘It’s a great job, a big job and I want to aim as high as I can as a young coach. ‘Steven Gerrard has just taken a big first job but that’s great to see as a young coach. ‘Things are changing, aren’t they? Frank Lampard just got a job, so did Joey Barton, so people are coming out of the game and being given opportunities. ‘I’ve prepared myself to be ready. I could take the job tomorrow and I’d be comfortable doing it.’ Under Hopkin, who quit last week to seek ‘a fresh challenge’ in England, Livingston returned to the top flight via the play-offs despite having the third smallest budget in the Championship. After suffering two administrations in their recent history, the Lions won’t be rushing to break the bank again any time soon. But would-be boss Thomson isn’t daunted by the challenge of keeping them in the Premiership when they end a 12-year absence from the top table. ‘The fundamentals are there. Livingston have always been a good club,’ he said. ‘It was always a team I liked. These are things that tick the right boxes when you put yourself in the position to take that step.’ Meanwhile, Hopkin saw his chances of landing a job south of the border lessen yesterday when John Sheridan was named the new manager of Carlisle United.