Dykes deal is a record
Striker’s £2m QPR move
Lyndon Dykes became Livingston’s record sale after the striker completed his move to Queens Park Rangers.
The 24-year-old put pen to paper with the English Championship side yesterday (Wednesday) for a fee believed to be £2 million.
That doubles the club’s previous record that saw David Fernandez move to Celtic in 2002.
It’s been quite a rise for the Australian-born ace who spent just one full season in West Lothian following a move from Queen of the South.
Dykes, who has been targeted at international level by both Australia and Scotland, netted 14 goals in 36 appearances for Livi — including two in three games to start this campaign.
He earned rave reviews for his displays last year and the Londoners beat a number of clubs for his signature.
Barnsley had previously seen two bids knocked back before Mark Warburton swooped in.
Despite losing his most valuable asset, boss Gary Holt believes the move could make the club a more attractive proposition for players because they know there’s a chance of progressing if they perform for the Lions.
Speaking to the Courier, the gaffer said:“I’ll shake anyone’s hand and pat them on the back if they’ve done a job for this club.
“It’s only right that you can’t stand in people’s way and we’re all over the moon for the big man. Hopefully he goes on and embraces it and kicks on again.”
He added:“You’re hoping that people see what we’re about and that if you perform well for Livingston then you’ll have the opportunity to progress.
“It’s something that can attract players. We signed Marvin Bartley last year, we’ve now signed Jason Holt this year, so it’s about making the club attractive.
“Players can see that there’s a pathway and an improvement at the club and see what we’re trying to do. They can embrace the work ethic and environment. We all enjoy our work because of that environment we set and that’s really important.
“Hopefully it’s a situation that will open a few more doors for us.”