McDougall's wait for Livingston's appeal against relegation

Aug 27 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

GORDON McDOUGALL has revealed Livingston don’t expect their appeal to the SFA against relegation to be heard until a week tomorrow – September 3.

But the Scottish football transfer window will slam shut four days earlier which could leave several of the Livingston stars in limbo while also throwing a spanner in the works for any new additions to the squad.

The Lions were dumped in the Third Division earlier this month by the SFL for breaching insolvency rules but they are hopeful of winning reinstatement to the First.

Should the West Lothian club lose their appeal however then they would be forced to slash their costs which could include the playing staff who may not be able to find a new club due to the closure of the allowed transfer window.

And Livingston chairman McDougall has admitted the situation is far from ideal with the club unable to confirm to possible signing targets what league they are joining.

He said: “There is next to no chance of anything happening before Saturday’s game against Albion Rovers and we’ve had September 3 but that is only pencilled in at this stage.

“This is obviously beyond the closure of the transfer window and we’ve told them how much this disadvantages us but there is not much we can do about it.

“We’ve spoken to playing staff and are trying to be as fair as we can with everyone and there could be player movements, in and out of the club, before the transfer deadline.

“The trouble we have is we don’t know what we are bringing players in for at this stage as we don’t know what league we will be in.”

The Livi chairman has also expressed his hope at seeing the local community make full use of all the facilities at Almondvale while he also revealed plans for an all-new coaching in the community initiative by which youngsters will get the chance to learn from some very special guests.

McDougall continued: “We have so many facilities here at the club and we’d like to make the most of them.

“We plan on hosting a competition on the astro-turf open to teams of friends and colleagues, perhaps a lunchtime league or games on a Saturday evening.

“We want to involve the community as the whole club has been revitalised and we’d urge supporters, local people and the business community down to make the most of everything we have.

“The Livingston manager Gary Bollan, his assistant Brian Welsh and some first-team players will also be involved with our new coaching in the community next month.”

Livingston are hosting coaching in the community on Monday, September 21, and Tuesday, 22, on the field turf at the club between 2 and 3pm.

The sessions are open to boys and girls aged between four and 14 for the special introductory price of £5.

The first-team management and some players will also be on hand to offer youngster hints and tips on how to make the big time, while those who impress will get the chance to progress through the Livingston FC ranks.

McDougall added: “We want to start at grassroots again and maybe unearth the new Leigh Griffiths, McPake and the like who have come through this club.

“Gary and Brian will be regularly attending the sessions and we want to involve the community.”