Liam calls for Livi players to face challenge

Jul 23 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIAM Fox has watched Livingston’s name being dragged through the press all summer long for their well documented off the field troubles.

But now the Lions midfielder insists it is about time the spotlight was shifted onto matters on the park starting with a Challenge Cup win this Saturday against Queen of the South.

He said: “The way things have turned out over the last three months have been tough but all we want to do is play and get the focus back on football.

“For far too much of the summer the focus has been elsewhere. The club just needs a bit of stability and we hope we get it but all we can do is concentrate on things on the park.

“It is always difficult to tell how you will start the season but we will be going to Dumfries in confident mood after the result against Plymouth.

“We are feeling fit and strong but it is our first game of the season so I’m not claiming we will go down there and play like Brazil.

“We are still finding out what we need to improve on but we’ll go down to Dumfries and give it out best shot.

“We want to get a good start this season and get a few points under our belts. There are no great expectations on the boys in the dressing room as the financial troubles of the club are well documented.”

Livingston have been dogged by crisis claims all summer long but on the field at least the Lions look to be in top shape.

They finished their preseason preparations with an impressive 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle with Fox forcing an own goal for the opener.

“The game against Argyle went really well,” admitted Fox, “the boys worked hard and played well.

“We realise Plymouth were perhaps not firing on all cylinders but there are plenty positives to take from it.

“It definitely helped we had a more settled team with less changes. But it doesn’t really matter who you beat in pre-season as the only thing that matters is getting the wins when the serious stuff starts this Saturday.”

Fox has seen midfield mate Murray Davidson, stopper Dave Mackay and teen sensation Leigh Griffiths all sold off this summer and he admits the club will miss the key trio this time around.

Fox continued: “Any team who lost the likes of those players would be affected by it.

“They were three big players for us but it is a chance for other boys to step up and show they can take on their positions in the team and the mantle these boys have left.

“This could be some of our young players coming through or some of the trialists but we have the makings of a good team.

“As for myself my knee has held out really well and I did a lot of work over the summer which really helped me.

“At the moment I’m felling really good and almost back to my old self.

“I came back into the team at the end of last season but that was more about easing back into it.

“My main aim was always to get a full pre-season under my belt and I’m raring to go now.”

There are still concerns the club might not reach the start of the season with West Lothian Council reported to be bringing court action against the club for unpaid rent.

The threat of administration hasn’t helped the players or John Murphy prepare for the new season but Fox has praised the work done by the new American boss.

Fox added: “The team is shaping up all right. We are working hard and the gaffer has got us in the mindset of the way he wants to pay.

“He is doing a great job considering the issues which are going on at the club just now. These issues don’t help anyone especially the manager who is having to deal with lots of issues.

“But these things are outwith our control. We don’t have to be happy about some of the things happening or agree with certain aspects but it is our job to play to the best of our ability on a Saturday which we will continue to do.”