LIONS PUT A SMILE ON FACES
Fairytale promotion just the tonic for fans
Livingston FC boss David Hopkin believes his team have “put a smile on people’s faces” by battling their way to the Premiership.
He has now guided the Lions to two promotions in two seasons and they are set to play in the top flight for the first time since 2006.
The delighted boss watched his team pull off a 3-1 aggregate victory over Partick Thistle in Sunday’s play-off final.
He said: “It’s fantastic for the town of Livingston and West Lothian in general to have a Premiership football team. It creates a buzz around town and hopefully we’ve put a smile on a few people’s faces.”
West Lothian Council have confirmed that players and management will be invited to a civic reception. Council leader
Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “West Lothian Council extends heartiest congratulations to Livingston FC on their wonderful achievement in gaining promotion to the Scottish Professional Football League Premiership.
“The team have enjoyed tremendous success this season and everyone involved should take great pride in their results and the joy they have brought to local supporters.”
Provost Tom Kerr said: “I’m delighted to invite the players and management of Livingston FC to a civic reception.
“The team’s success has been fantastic for the local area and everyone looks forward to having Premiership football in West Lothian once again next season.”
Local lad Keaghan Jacobs scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Partick Thistle on Sunday.
Hopkin said: “I really have to pay tribute to the players because they gave me everything, not just in the play-offs but over the whole course of the season and now they’re a Premiership club – which is a
fantastic achievement that nobody really saw coming.
“You saw in the home legs in the play- offs that the fans are there and want to support this team and I’m sure they’ll be excited at the prospect of watching Premiership football.
“The longer the season went on, the more we thought we could do something.”