Livingston appoint Business Development Manager
Livingston FC is delighted to appoint Dave Black as the club’s new Business Development Manager. Callum Carson from the West Lothian Courier popped in to catch up with Dave and CEO, John Ward.
New Livingston Business Development Officer Dave Black says he’s determined to get the next generation of fans hooked on the club – just like he was as a youngster.
The 30-year-old has joined the club full-time having previously helped out in voluntary roles for several seasons and is determined to get the local community back through the gates.
He said: “I’d always envisaged that if I was working for the club, I’d be in a tracksuit and training but at 30, I’ve come to the realisation that won’t be happening.
“I’m absolutely delighted to come into the club. Livingston moved to the town when I was five-years-old and they’ve been my only team. I’ve been supporting them since day one and became involved with the club in a number of different avenues but this is an exciting opportunity for me.
“When the chat happened, I felt that it was right. Not actually just for me, I’m fortunate that I was offered the role but regardless, I do think that the role itself is another way that the club can kick on and continue to grow.
“On the park, we’re doing really well and we’re taking steps forward off the park with things like revamping the reception area and media room and I think there’s an educated risk involved in adding another member of staff but hopefully this can lead to more bums on seats because that’s ultimately what we need.
“There’s no easy answer as to how to do that – if there was every stadium in the country would be sold out. But I think this now allows us the chance to focus on that side of things and try to get the stadium much busier because it’s what the players deserve and what the club needs.”
Livingston CEO John Ward hailed the appointment, adding: “It’s a big step forward for the club. We’ve actually approached Dave a couple of times over the years because we identified that he was someone we would like to have on board.
“The club used to be very proactive in terms of making its presence known in the community. Times have changed and you can’t just rock up at a school with a couple of players. We have had a fan, Kieran Tenant, who’s been doing some stuff and we’ve got a couple of sponsors who have provided season books for kids.
“The logical thing with the work Dave has been doing in the background with publicity and social media stuff is that we start to really engage with the community and get kids coming in.
“It will also raise the professionalism of the place. Things have been vastly improved since we got into the Premiership on that front and the great thing is that the club are moving forward, but still living within our means.
“Getting Dave on board is a real benefit for the club and it’s going to enhance how the club are perceived in the community. We’ll get our heads together and start thinking about what is going to appeal to folk.
“The real work is around community engagement. I used to come to games with my sons because they were doing stuff through local schools or youth football teams. We always get asked why we don’t do more but we need to do it professionally and properly and I think Dave will do that.
“He’s got brilliant experience in terms of community engagement and that can only be a good thing.”
Dave can be contacted via email on dave.black@livingstonfc.co.uk
