Hopkin to fans: Help us sting Wasps
Livingston head coach David Hopkin has said the club’s fans can be the difference on Saturday as the Lions take on Alloa Athletic in a crucial League One clash.
The visiting Wasps sit at the top of the table with Livi just a point, and two places, behind after nine games.
But the fans were critical during Saturday’s 2-1 loss at home to Albion Rovers and the boss is hoping that was just a one-off.
He said: “We have two massive games coming up with Alloa at home and then Brechin away but our focus is on Alloa right now.
“It was disappointing at the weekend but we came in on Monday and re-grouped, as we do every week.
“It’s a young team we have and the fans need to be patient with us.
“Fans shouting and having a go at young players isn’t going to help them.
“We’ve got a lot of young boys and we’re aimed at developing players. That’s what I want at this club.
“We need everyone to be patient and make sure the fans stay behind us.
“As soon as they start criticising the players, their confidence goes. They’re young lads. When they make a mistake, instead of heckling them, they should be given encouragement.
“That’s all I ask for from the fans.”
He added: “I understand that everything was flat against Albion Rovers with what happened on the Friday with the IRN- BRU Cup, but it’s a massive game on Saturday and we need the fans to get behind us.
“We’re only three or four months into this project. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’ll get there.
“The fans are going to have to play a massive part in helping us get the most out of the players.
“We need to make sure that everyone is all in this together. There’s going to be bad spells - but that’s when the fans need to give us greater backing.
“When you’re a goal down at home, hearing the fans give you that support can be all the difference and that’s what we need.”
Livingston go into the contest with no injury worries while Alan Lithgow is available.