John Hughes admits chance to manage in England was too good to pass up

Nov 14 2012 By Kieran Westbrook

John Hughes

John Hughes speaks exclusively to Courier Sport about his departure from Livingston and move to Hartlepool

John Hughes says he is leaving Livingston ‘with a very heavy heart’ after joining Hartlepool United on Tuesday.

The Lions boss told Courier Sport that he was given the nod during the Livi Reserves 5-1 win over a Partick Thistle 11 on Tuesday afternoon.

And his biggest regret is not being able to say goodbye to his players.

He said: “It has all come about so quickly and that’s been the hard thing.

“I wanted to speak to my players and say goodbye to them, and it’s hard knowing I won’t be able to.

“I was told at the Reserves match and  I had a tear in my eye when I was telling the young players at the Reserve match.

“I feel like I’ve become a father figure to them and it was very hard.

“But they gave me a great going away present with the great result.

“I have loved my time with Livingston and it has been a real wrench for me.

“I feel we have been creating something very special at Livingston, but I had to take the opportunity when it came around.”

Hartlepool sit bottom of the English League One table, nine points off safety.

But Yogi admitted the chance to play in England was too good to pass up.

He said: “I have been really keen to be involved in football in England.

“They’ve got the profile and the Sky Sports and that’s where it’s all happening.

“That’s how football works and I hope Livingston fans will understand.

“I am very grateful for the chance the club gave me and I have loved every minute at Livingston.”