Livingston call-off leaves Norwegians gutted

Nov 19 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ROBBIE WINTERS woke up on Sunday morning feeling the effects of the day before.

The Livingston striker had headed in to Almondvale eagerly anticipating a tough clash with the Albion Rovers rearguard only for the game to be called off due to an unplayable pitch.

But for eight fans of SK Brann in Norway the wet West Lothian weather also left them gutted – for they had travelled all the way from Bergen to watch their former goal hero in action.

However, Winters was only too happy to join the far-travelled and newest members of the Lions pack in the club bar before spending the day with the fans of his former club in Norway.

Robbie revealed: “I knew they were coming over as I keep in contact with some of my old team-mates from SK Brann and one of the fans who came over got a hold of my number and we’d spoken.

“It was just unfortunate the game was called off but despite that I think they all had a good time.

“They did say they’d come back if we get through in the Scottish Cup and manage to draw one of the big SPL sides.

“I was out with them until around 10.30pm, which meant it was a good day after joining them at midday.

“After spending a while in the bar at the stadium we headed through to Edinburgh, had something to eat and watched the Scotland match.

“One thing they noticed was how much cheaper the beer and the food was so it was a great day.

“My uncle helped us out as well by taking them back to Livingston and making sure everyone got home safely as they didn’t know the area.

“I’ve got a good rapport with the fans and I was always close to them in Bergen. Scotland flags and scarves with my face on them were a common sight over there and that was always great to see.

“Some of the fans have also pledged to sponsor my Livingston jersey now too, which is fantastic. Hopefully they get the chance to come back over and see a game.

“They brought some candy and things for my kids and also a new SK Brann top which they signed with all of their own signatures which was a nice touch.”

Winters’ goals have helped fire Livingston to the top of the Third Division but his short-term deal is due to expire in January.

But the veteran striker has insisted he is keen to extend his stay at Almondvale and revealed he has already opened talks on a new deal with boss Gary Bollan.

The ex-Scotland cap is Hampden bound once again this weekend when Livingston travel to the national stadium on league duty to face Queen’s Park in a match he can’t wait for.

He continued: “We’re looking forward to Saturday and a return to Hampden – which is always nice.

“The pitch there is so big and hopefully we can use our fitness and our heads to our advantage.

“We played well there a few weeks ago in the cup and to be honest I had forgotten how big the pitch is. It can take ages for the ball to reach you and you have to have a little bit more patience.

“It is a great surface and the kind of place every player wants to play their football.”

Weather permitting, Albion Rovers will come to Almondvale on Tuesday to play the game which was washed out at the weekend and with Rovers having slated the Lions in the press Winters and Co will be out to prove a point.

“Albion Rovers have enjoyed having their say about us and they will be coming up here on Tuesday trying to get at us,” he admitted.

“But as long as the surface here is OK and we can pass the ball around we should be good enough to get the three points after the two defeats they gave us at their place.

“We’ve played everyone now in the league and I wouldn’t say I’m worried about any of the sides in the league stopping us winning the league as I believe the only team that can stop us is ourselves.

“We have the fitness and the quality of players at this club and I belive we have it in our own hands to win. “It is up to us to prove that by going out every week, playing well, and get the points to win it.”