Mark Proctor eyes targets

May 29 2008 By Eric Mackinnon, West Lothian Courier

MARK Proctor has revealed he has a full list of transfer targets ready to bring to Almondvale as soon as the final whistle blows on the club’s transfer embargo.

The Livingston boss has spent the early weeks of the close season identifying and watching players who he feels can spearhead the Lions First Division title bid.

He said: “We’re trying to keep things ticking over and ready for when the Dorado situation [the contract dispute which led to Livingston being forbidden to make transfers] is resolved.

“I believe it will be any day now so we’ve been compiling a list of targets for recruitment for whenever it is.

“We’ll be able to move very quickly when it is.

“A new goalkeeper or even two is a priority but I think we need a left-back, a midfielder and a striker too.”

Livi earned a host of fans last season for the free-flowing football produced by their young team but Proctor admits they need to match their silk with a spine of steel and he has targeted some experienced old heads for the next campaign.

“The profile of the squad will be different this season as well.

“Our youngsters gained a lot of experience last season but we can’t expect them to play a whole season and they’ll have to dip in and out when we give them breathers.

“I think we need some men who have been round the block a few times, know the First Division and are able to play 35-40 games a season.”

One player who definitely won’t be joining the Lions is experienced stopper Alan McManus after he was poached from under their noses by First Division rivals Morton and Proctor admits that was a blow.

“We lost out on McManus which was disappointing. It was a deal which was almost nailed on and we thought it was a done deal but at the last minute another club came in for him and he has taken a chance with them.”

CLOCK IS TICKING . . . Livi boss Mark Proctor is counting the days until the transfer embargo is lifted and he can begin his Lions recruitment drive. svwlc290508proctor