FOOTBALL FOCUS
Holt: Players must be willing to sacrifice family time over Christmas and concentrate fully on festive fixtures list
Livingston boss Gary Holt has called on his players to put the club first over the festive period as the Lions enter a busy month.
Last weekend’s clash at home to Hamilton Accies kick-started a spell of seven games in 29 days prior to the winter break and the gaffer says it needs to be all hands on deck if they are to pick up the points prior to the break.
He commented: “I’ve asked them all to give us everything between now and December 29. It’s a busy schedule and when they’re in they need to give us everything and when there’s down time it needs to be rest.
“That’s the selfish side of things this month. You’ll get time to spend with your families after Christmas but until then it needs to be pure Livingston.
“I apologise to wives, partners and families, but that’s the way it’s going to need to be this month - and I’m the same.
“Myself and the staff are dedicated to getting this team as many points as we can and for one month I’m sure we can make those sacrifices.”
Despite the busy spell, the former Scotland international insisted there’s ‘no fear’ as they continue to battle it out in the bottom six.
He said: “They’re all tough games for us. People say particular games are tough but I love the fact that they all are.
“We know where we’re at and the size of club that we are. We want to keep progressing and building but we can’t go willy-nilly and end up going bust because that’s suicidal.
“Every game at this level is brilliant for us. We embrace it as a tough challenge but we have absolutely no fear going into games because we want to win.”
He added: “Who wouldn’t want to play in big games? It’s like a kid in a candy shop so go out and enjoy it.
“Go and run about and play football with a smile on your face and try your best.
“I’ve always said the only guarantee they can give me is to work hard. That’s a God given talent.
“You can’t guarantee me goals or that you’ll win every header but if you can guarantee me 11 men on the pitch who will be giving their all — brilliant. Within that, you’ll get results.
“And that’s all we can ask for every time they play.”