Robbie Winters joins brother David at Lions

Sep 3 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday with several comings and goings at Almondvale.

Four players signed up at Livingston for the coming season before the deadline.

The highest-profile of them was former Aberdeen, Dundee United and Brann Bergen striker Robbie Winters.

The vastly experienced 34-year-old joins up with younger brother David at the Lions.

Manager Gary Bollan was delighted to have secured the services of Winters for the season.

He said: “Robbie Winters will bring goals and a new dimension to the side so I am delighted to have secured his signature ahead of other clubs.

“Giving Robbie the opportunity to play alongside David has been a key factor in convincing him that his immediate future should be at Livingston, and we are delighted to have agreed a deal.”

Joining up with Winters are three youngsters signed on loan deals.

Bollan raided Hearts to pick up two promising players in the shape of Stephen Husband and Jonathan Brown.

Right-back Brown will bolster the Livi defence while Husband, who had a previous loan spell at Cowdenbeath under Lions assistant Brian Welsh, is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.

Also adding some presence to the Livi defence is Hibernian’s Ewan Moyes, who will slot into the side at centre-back.

All three loan signings made their debuts in the loss to Albion Rovers on Saturday.

Heading for the exit door at Almondvale was exciting Livingston youngster Joe McKee who agreed a permanent deal with English Premier League newcomers Burnley.

The 17-year-old striker spent several days on trial at the Lancashire club at the end of last season and left a positive impression on their Scottish manager Owen Coyle.

The deal that takes McKee south will see Burnley head to Almondvale for a friendly match in the future.

Cult figure Armand One also left the club in a last-minute deal to join Blue Square Premier club Gateshead.

Livingston terminated the 26-year-old French forward’s contract to allow him to continue his career at the north-east club where he will join up with former Lions defender Phil Cave.

The much travelled striker found the net three times for Livi in 16 appearances for the club.

Livingston also announced the departure of goalkeeping coach John Murphy on Tuesday night.

An announcement on Livingston’s website said the American had parted ways with the club by mutual consent.

Murphy enjoyed a brief reign as head coach at Almondvale earlier this summer, taking charge during pre-season and for the early cup matches against Queen of the South and Albion Rovers.

“John made a valuable contribution to the club during his time at Almondvale, both in his role as goalkeeping coach and, briefly, as our head coach prior to the appointment of Gary Bollan,” chief executive Ged Nixon said.

“He leaves Livingston on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future.”