Club-by-club preview 2018-19
Miller out to prove bookies wrong
Kenny Miller has never been afraid to make a bold or unexpected career choice and his first step into the world of management presents him with one of his toughest challenges yet.
Livingston upset the odds last season to earn promotion through the play-offs and will have to do so again if they are to survive their first campaign in the top flight since 2005.
Unsurprisingly, the West Lothian club are the bookies’ favourites to
Ufinish bottom of the Premiership.
David Hopkin’s decision to quit as manager in the immediate aftermath of Livingston’s play-off final success against Partick Thistle created a vacancy which suited Miller following a dispiriting end to his time at Rangers.
The 38-year-old was determined not to hang up his boots, so will take on what has become the increasingly rare dual role of player-manager. His contribution on the pitch,
nder new boss Kenny Miller, we’ve looked comfortable throughout our Betfred Cup campaign, and the new additions have bedded in nicely. However, I believe two or three more players are needed to add strength in depth. The new signings have impressed when they’ve featured, especially Craig Sibbald and Ricki Lamie, while settling in to the core of a squad that defied expectations for the last two seasons. Having conceded along with that of fellow veteran striker and namesake Lee, pictured,could be pivotal to Livingston’s hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship. Livingston made an encouraging start to life under Miller in the Betfred Cup, remaining unbeaten in the group stage to reach the last 16, but face the most daunting Premiership opener possible when they travel to Celtic Park on Saturday.
only once so far, the defence looks as solid as last year, which will be essential if we are to have any chance of survival in the top flight. It’s likely to be a long, hard season, where patience and some ground-out results will be required. But what we have at Livingston is a special group of players that would run through brick walls for each other, and I believe that trait alone could ensure we survive.
CALUM BROWN