The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Hopkin prepares to hold talks with board
David Hopkin says no decision has been made about his Livingston future despite him leading the club to successive promotions.
The Lions secured a spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Sunday, securing a 3-1 aggregate play-off win over Partick Thistle to make it back-to-back promotions after escaping League One this time last year.
The remarkable performances of the club under Hopkin, who took over two-and-a-half-years ago, have not gone unnoticed, however, with clubs in England such as Carlisle being linked with the former Scotland midfielder.
Hopkin is out of contract in West Lothian this summer and conceded that no talks have yet taken place.
“My future always gets tied up in the summer,” he said.
“A lot of people are speculating, but nothing is on the table. I will speak to the board on Tuesday.
“I have always been open with the board and they have always been good with me.
“Both parties are honest enough so we will sit down next week and see where it takes us.”
He added: “Interest will come when you get promoted, it means you are doing your job and not being pushed out of the door.
“When I took over here I wanted to make sure I was here long term and it’s been over 120 games now I’ve had at the club and it has been mostly successful.”
The potential loss of Hopkin would be a huge blow to the club, who have punched above their weight by finishing second in the Championship this season but they deservedly earned promotion after outplaying Thistle over the two legs.
Although he is not yet under contract, the former Leeds, Crystal Palace and Chelsea midfielder already has an eye on next year and is aware the club need to strengthen if they are to compete.
He said: “We need to get players in but I won’t go and get players that will cost the club money, because we will surely be favourites to get relegated next season.
“I think we need to make sure we build for the Championship again. I will get players a bit more experienced but they will have to be young, hungry and up for a challenge.”