Hegarty thanks Livingston fans for their support

Mar 5 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

PAUL HEGARTY has moved to thank the fans after admitting their support during the weekend’s defeat against Partick Thistle had helped his side battle back into the game.

The Jags romped into a 3-0 lead but the home fans continued to back the Lions and helped them roar back into the game at 3-2.

A last gasp clincher for the Maryhill side failed to dampen Hegarty’s spirits as he praised the fans for their backing.

He said: “I thought the fans were magnificent on Saturday and really backed the team.

“They could see how much effort and how much work was going into the match from all of our players on the field.

“I felt the players responded postively to the crowds reaction.

“I cannot thank the fans enough them enough and I feel they drove the players on throughout the whole of the match.”

Speaking about the match itself, the Livi boss said he believed the team could take a lot of credit from their play despite the result.

He added: “I thought we played some nice football and a few of the goals we lost were controversial so say the least.

“The first one was a penalty which in our opinion should have never been given.

“The second was a deflection but we have no complaints about the third and fourth which were wonder strikes.

“However, I can’t speak highly enough of my players as they kept pushing and refused to give up their efforts.

“They rolled their sleeves up, showed great character, determination and attitude to win the game.

“We got it back to 3-2 and when you do that you have to go for it and we left ourselves a wee bit open at the back in the end.”

It is four defeats in a row for Livingston but Hegarty insists he has seen enough in each of the defeats to suggest a chance of fortunes is just around the corner.

“We have lost the last four games but we’ve played well in each of them and there’s been nothing in them,” continued the Livi boss.

“We need a change of fortune and it’ll happen for us.

“If we hadn’t been creating chances then I’d be concerned but the players are and as long as take them when they arise and we begin to defend better then we’ll be ok.”

The Lions will be without Murray Davidson (groin), Liam Fox (knee), Chris Innes (suspension) and reserve keeper Pierre Martini (hamstring) for the weekend trip to New Broomfield to face Airdrie United.

And Hegarty will also be unable to call upon French pair Jean-Jose Cuenca and Milan Thomas.

Both players were brought in but former boss Roberto Landi but were both released this week by the West Lothian club.

However, Hegarty reckons they have more than enough quality within their own youth tanks to bolster the squad.

The Lions’ under 19s recently won the league title for the second year in a row and the first-team boss has praised the work of youth team coaches Graham Robertson and Paul Connelly.

He added: “Graham and Paul are doing a great job with the youths here and I think if any youngster wants to break into football then Livingston is the club to come to as we believe if you’re good enough you will play first team football.

“Bringing through young players is the way football clubs have to go and both Graham and Paul’s work augers well for the future.

“Andrew Halliday made his first start for us this weekend and he also played a big part in the under 19s winning the league as well.

“I’ve seen the youth team several times this year and Andy has shone through and fully deserves his chance.”