Ex-Don keen to lead a Livi second-tier revival

Michael Devlin declared himself up for the task of leading deflated Livingston out of what could be a “very competitive” Championship next season.

The Lions were relegated from the Premiership last weekend and the captain admitted they have not been good enough over the campaign.

However, he is intent on honouring his commitment to the club.

“I’ve got a contract for next year so, as it stands, yes,” Devlin said, when asked if he expects to be with Livi next term.

“I’ll need to speak to the manager to see if that’s what he wants as well. I understand that when a club gets relegated there’s going to be change and things might not always be the way you would want it to be, so me and the gaffer will have a chat and see what’s best moving forward.

“Having been in the Premiership, we don’t want to have to go down to the Championship but that’s the result of not being good enough all season.

“My job is to turn up every day and do what I’m asked to do and be the best I can possibly be to help the club. That will start next year being in the Championship and doing everything we can to get the club back into the Premiership.”

Former Don Devlin admitted it will be difficult for Livingston to bounce back at the first attempt but he sees no reason why they cannot go into the Championship in good fettle.

“What Dundee United have managed to do has been brilliant in terms of going down and coming straight back up,” he said.

“I think if we can keep the group together, there is enough experience and quality to at least be competitive in what will be a very competitive league next year.”