LIVI HOPE TO KEEP HOLD OF HOPKIN

Club ready for their leap to Premiership

Livingston say they are ‘hopeful’ that David Hopkin will remain the club’s head coach as they prepare for life in the Premiership.

The former Scotland international is out of contract after guiding the Lions to consecutive promotions - but has attracted interest both north and south of the border.

Courier Sport understands that despite having had talks with other clubs, Livingston’s is currently the only offer on the table.

Last term, Hopkin’s contract wasn’t officially sorted out until July, by which stage he had already signed the majority of the squad and he remains committed to negotiating with potential new arrivals for next season.

Players already under contract at the club are also understood to have had renegotiation clauses in the event of promotion to the top flight, and the club are in the process of working through them.

A statement issued by Livingston on Tuesday said that Hopkin will use an upcoming holiday to mull over the offer.

The statement read: “The club has held talks with David with a view to retaining him as manager and building on the remarkable success we have enjoyed during his time here.

“A budget and offer have been put to him today. We are very hopeful that David will see his future at Livingston FC.

“David has been open and honest with the Board and verified that he has had other interest. He headed off on holiday on Wednesday and will use that time to reflect and come to a decision on his future.”

The statement continued: “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 our player recruitment with the help of the coaching staff at the club.”