Hartson’s ruled out of Livi job

Lions won’t turn to ex-Celtic man

John Hartson is not expected to be named as Livingston’s new manager.

Courier Sport understands that the former Wales international striker is unlikely to be among the shortlisted candidates, despite being the bookies’ favourite.

Hartson has been working with the club as the strikers’ coach for the last 10 months.

Earlier this week he confirmed that he had applied for the manager’s position.

However, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation have told the Courier that the ex- Celtic man will not be offered the role.

The club have previously stated that the ideal candidate would be someone who would work alongside the current backroom staff and Courier Sport believes Livi are in the process of sifting through over 100 applicants in order to draw up a shortlist.

Rangers youth coach Kevin Thomson is the latest name to throw his hat into the ring, while Kenny Miller and Jim Duffy are believed to be among the leading candidates.

The need for a new manager comes after David Hopkin last week elected not to renew his contract with the club, despite leading them to consecutive promotions and to the Premiership for the first time in 12 years.

His assistant David Martindale is in temporary charge until the new manager is named.

Hopkin, who had been in charge for two- and- a- half years, told Courier Sport that the time was right for a “new challenge”.

In a lengthy statement in which he thanked all the players, staff and fans at the club, Hopkin said: “After a fantastic three-and-a-half seasons with Livingston FC, and after much deliberation, I feel it is now time for me to seek a new challenge within football.”

For more on Livingston, including news of two arrivals and the Betfred Cup fixtures,

Hopkin: It is time for me to seek a new challenge

Former Scotland international Steven Saunders has returned north of the border by swapping Welsh champions The New Saints for Livingston.

The versatile former Motherwell man can play in either centre or right-side of the defence and arrives on a two year deal.

In a strange quirk of fate, Saunders netted a late equaliser for Dumbarton against Livi in December 2015 that led to Mark Burchill being dismissed as Lions’boss for David Hopkin - and he becomes the club’s first signing after Hopkin’s departure.

Saunders won the Welsh Premier League twice with TNS, and scored against the Lions once more in a 3-0 Irn-Bru Cup victory. He made his lone appearance for the national team in a 2010 victory over the Faroe Islands.

David Martindale admitted Livi were wanting to sign him prior to making his move to Wales, saying:“We were after Steven when he was previously playing for Dumbarton in the Championship.

“He brings a wealth of experience to Livingston, having made over 50 appearances for Motherwell in the Premiership as well as 19 for Ross County.

“Steven has also managed a cap as a full Scotland internationalist and has played in the Champions League qualifiers with TNS. He is a big strong, quick player and can play at either centre-back or right back.”