No dice for Landi after East Stirlingshire embarrassment

Dec 4 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

No dice for Landi after East Stirlingshire embarrassment

ROBERTO Landi said arrivederci to Livingston this week after the club board decided to release the Italian from his contract.

A run of just one win from eight games had the manager’s jacket on a shoogly nail and the weekend’s shock defeat at the hands of part-timers East Stirling proved to be the final nail in his Almondvale coffin.

Assistant Valter Berlini and goalkeeping coach Massimo Piloni will also be leaving the club with immediate effect but fitness coach Nazareno Salvatori will be staying on for the time being at least.

Landi, pictured leaving the field after the cup exit, was an instant hit in West Lothian and he led the Lions to the top of the table in the first quarter of this season and also to a glamour clash with Celtic in the League Cup at Parkhead.

But in recent weeks his side has gone off the boil. A lengthy injury list decimated what was already one of the thinnest squads in the division and their results have suffered. Just four points from a possible 21 have seen Livingston slip to fifth in the table but the decision to sack the popular boss is still a surprise.

However Landi was diplomatic enough to admit recent results meant his job was always going to be in jeopardy.

“In football a manager is always just a few results away from trouble,” conceded Landi, “and when you look back at our last six games you can see we only took four points.

“It is disappointing because coming to Livingston has been a really positive experience.

“I have learned so much from this group of players and it is sad to be leaving.

“Before I left I went to meet the players and I explained why I’m leaving and I wished them all my best regards as I truly learned a lot from them and I hope I taught them a little too.

“I don’t know who the board have in mind to take over but I wish them all the best.”

Turn to page 62 for a full interview with the departed Livi boss.