THE LIVI FAIRYTALE
Declan: Boss is making our dreams come true
LIVINGSTON star Declan Gallagher reckons boss David Hopkin is writing a fairytale in West Lothian.
And the big defender is convinced it’s only a matter of time until his gaffer’s name starts appearing on managerial shortlists all around the country.
The Lions have enjoyed a terrific campaign and a run of six wins from their last seven league outings has piled the pressure on leaders St Mirren.
Just eight points separate them from the Buddies and Gallagher says Hopkin’s part in their rise has been masterful.
The ex-Scotland midfielder has already been linked with the Dundee United job this term and looks destined for the big-time along with young guns in his team such as Craig Halkett, Shaun Byrne and Nicky Cadden.
Gallagher, who hopes today’s clash with Inverness passes an 8am pitch inspection, said: “If anyone does well in football, be it a player, manager or coach, you will attract a bit of attention.
“This is a difficult league so what Livingston are doing under the gaffer is fairytale stuff.
“We have talented players who should take pride in what we have done so far.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs who are looking at them and the manager who is a fantastic coach. He knows exactly what he wants.
“One of the main things is that he is very calm before games. He keeps us focused and that’s vital because we’ve had a lot of big games and have been exceeding expectations all season.”
Meanwhile, Caley Thistle keeper Mark Ridgers is aware that winning a Premiership play-off place could be the dream scenario – and a family nightmare rolled into one.
The Highland No.1 is married to Emma, a lifelong Ross County fan who used to work for the Dingwall club. His father-in-law Peter is also a County board member and ex-chairman.
So talk around the dinner table has been on the possibility of a Highland derby shoot-out for a place in the top-flight. And Ridgers, preparing for today’s crucial game, said: “We are still looking to push on into the play-off positions.
“We’ve had a couple of sticky results in the last month but it is still very much there for us.
“From a personal and family point-of-view, it would be good if County stay up.
“My wife has been talking about what it would be like if we both got to the play-offs.
“If it got to the final and down to a penalty shootout it could be difficult in the house!”