Livingston management team revealed

Nov 22 2012 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

Livingston chairman hands reins to Gareth Evans and Richie Burke, writes Kieran Westbrook.

Livingston FC’s new management team will be Gareth Evans and Richie Burke, Courier Sport can reveal.

The two coaches will take over all first-team matters and replace John Hughes who left to take over at English League One side Hartlepool United last week.

Livi chairman Gordon McDougall said: “Gareth Evans and Richie Burke will take over the overall running of the club and that includes all first-team matters.

“We do need feel a need to look outwith the club to fill the position and I am confident they are right for the job.”

Evans stood in as interim manager for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Falkirk and clearly impressed the Livingston board.

Both men joined the club at the start of the 2012 season and have been heavily involved in the passing philosophy Hughes was introducing to Almondvale.

Evans took over as reserve team coach at Hibs in 2007 and became caretaker manager after Hughes departed from the club in 2011.

He spent most of his playing career with Hibs but also had spells with English side Rotherham as well as playing for Airdrie, Partick Thistle and Alloa Athletic.

Burke joined Livingston after a spell at American Major League Soccer side DC United.

He is also the development manager at Livingston Youth Foundation.

They take over at a time when Livingston are enjoying their best form of the season and are unbeaten after six matches.

However the duo are heading into a tough set of fixtures.

A trio of tricky ties starts with a trip to league leaders Partick Thistle this weekend, followed by a visit from SPL side Dundee in the Scottish Cup, before they then take on Dunfermline at Almondvale.

Livi can move up to joint third with Morton if they win the game.

Kick-off at Partick Thistle’s Firhill is 3pm.