Hopkin ready to restore the Lions’ roar

● Livingston fans are turning up in droves as club bids to secure return to the top flight

LIVINGSTON

V PARTICK THISTLE

son when they were expected to struggle to stay up. “It’s as close to one as you can get,” he said.

“Four of us are still in the team from two-and-a-half years ago when we were relegated to League 1,” he added. “If you had asked us then where we would be now then nobody would have though that we wouldbetwogamesawayfrom the Scottish Premiership. It is close to a miracle.”

But the Miracle of the Tony Macaroni Arena – the club yesterday announced a new three-year sponsorship deal with the restaurant chain – is still some way from being played out.

Hopkin has asked for two last lung-busting performances from his players, a few of whom have indicated to him they wish to move on. He can’t resent them for this. His own future – he is due to be out of contract as well – is the subject of much speculation amid links with the vacant managerial posts at Carlisle and former club Morton.

“I know there are a few who want to move on in the summer,” he said. “I have asked them all to give me everything they have until the end of the season and if we manage to get through to be a Premiership club why not stay here?

“And if we don’t then I have told everyone they can go with my best wishes. They have had an opportunity to be coached and managed properly and if they go somewhere else it is because of money, and you can understand that.”

Hopkin won’t divulge the names of managers from both north and south of the Border who have sent good luck messages. But he’s had plenty. One read: “You’ve got a small budget and you’re at the top of the league – you know you can coach.” The trouble for Livingston is so does everyone else.