Livvy may still carry a bite even if star Dykes exits
THEY have spirit, a pitch that can cause chaos for even the most skilful opponents and still possess their ‘main’ man — for now.
Yes, Livingston are not short of inspiring factors which they hope will help them make their mark in the Premiership for a third consecutive season.
It’s no secret that Gary Holt’s men aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Certainly, the sight of that artificial surface gives visiting players palpitations. Finding the key to victory in West Lothian has proved tricky for most.
But it would be unfair not to focus on what has contributed to the success story of Livvy. Season 2020-21 is set to be a strange time but the Lions aim to write a new, positive chapter in the top flight.
The hope among fans is that striker Lyndon Dykes will still be their player and continue to be clinical in front of goal. The 24-year-old netted 12 times before last season was cut short by the coronavirus lockdown.
Dykes’ deadly form has already attracted admirers, with Rangers heavily linked to the striker and a potential transfer. Barnsley have also had two healthy bids knocked back.
The man himself has already confessed that he feels he is ready to make the step up to play at Ibrox.
Should he depart, Livvy would be required to fill a big gap in their attack if they have any ambition to impress in the top half of the division.
But, as far as former Livingston boss and BBC Sportsound pundit Allan Preston is concerned, it would not be a complete disaster if the frontman exits.
‘He’s the main player but, if he was to go, it would be good financially for the club and good for the player,’ Preston told
Sportsmail. ‘You wouldn’t want to stop him going on to play at a higher level with a massive club like Rangers.
‘He would be a massive loss for Livingston. Could they go and pick out another striker? They already picked him from Queen of the South, when not many looked at him, and turned him into a really good player.
‘But he’s not away yet. While he’s there, he can still bag himself 15 to 20 goals again. Hopefully, for Livingston, they can keep him.
‘Goalscorers are the hardest thing to find in a football club. It’s the hardest job, putting the ball in the net. He does it on a regular basis for them, so that would be a big void.
‘If you look at Livingston’s home form, it is magnificent. They are really good at home, beating Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and Hibs. I think their home form would help them enough to be comfortable in the league.
‘But if you take Dykes’ goals out, it would prove to be more difficult. However, I still think they would have enough without him if — and it still is a big “if” — he goes.’
Holt has bolstered his goalkeeping options by bringing youngster Robby McCrorie on loan from Rangers.
The 22-year-old initially joined Livvy from Steven Gerrard’s men in January, but his progress was stopped by the shutdown.
McCrorie, capped for Scotland’s Under-21s, will be battling with Polish keeper Max Stryjek, who signed a three-year deal from English National League side Eastleigh.
‘He’s a very good goalkeeper,’ said Preston of McCrorie. ‘Rangers think highly of him.
‘Allan McGregor has been brilliant for Rangers but he’s in his late 30s. Jon McLaughlin has gone there but he’s also in his 30s. They would like a young goalkeeper. By the time McCrorie goes back, he’ll be in his early 20s and he’ll become a better all-round player by gaining so much experience.’
The Lions moved early to snap up former Ayr United winger Alan Forrest, who will be keen to impress on his progression to the Premiership where he will come up against brother James in games against Celtic.
‘He had a lot of suitors after him, so it was a real coup for Livingston to get him,’ noted Preston. ‘I’m looking forward to seeing how he steps up into the Premiership.’
Livingston’s transfer business so far also includes the arrivals of strikers Matej Poplatnik and Salim Kouider-Aissa.
In defence, Jack Fitzwater arrives from West Brom while Northern Irishman Ciaron Brown has re-signed on loan from Cardiff City.
‘Livingston fans don’t like me for saying this but I think the pitch plays a big part,’ added Preston. ‘If you look at their home record and then their away record on grass, it’s night and day.
‘The pitch is an advantage — but why not play to your advantage? They train on it daily. As we’ve seen, when players from Celtic, Rangers and Hibs come, they don’t like it.
‘Livingston are playing to their strengths. You can’t fault them for it. Livingston is a club that isn’t blessed with a rich owner, so they have to use the facilities to the best of their ability.
‘They like to get the ball into Lyndon Dykes and people running in about him, with forward runners from the midfield. They score goals from the back, as well. The defenders take part from set-plays.
‘Going into a third season, I can’t see it being a problem for Livingston.’