1 May 2009
Hay: "I wouldn't have done this anywhere else"
LIVINGSTON caretaker manager David Hay admits he never imagined he'd find himself back in the Almondvale hotseat, but family ties - and an affection for the club - led to him stepping in for the final two matches during the club's time of need.

"I never did expect to be in this position again," said David, "Especially given the circumstances regarding Paul Hegarty's suspension just now.

"It was myself who recommended Paul for the job back in December when Roberto Landi left. But something has happened last week which the Chairman has deemed to be a breach of conduct and has suspended him. It is unfortunate, but it is the Chairman's decision to make.

"I was in New York at the weekend when I got the call from Tommaso Angelini, who as everybody knows is my son-in-law, and Angelo Massone.

"I wouldn't have taken up a position like this anywhere else. I've stepped in for two reasons. Firstly, because Tommaso is my son-in-law, I felt almost obliged to step in for the next two games to give the club the assistance they need. Family ties are important and I want to help.

"Secondly, I feel a connection to this club as I spent many good years here and one of the highlights of my managerial career - winning the CIS Cup in 2004 - was achieved at Livingston.

"I'm not looking beyond these two games yet. Hopefully by tomorrow, our position in this division will be guaranteed. When that has been assured - and after the final game of the season against Queen of the South - I will sit down with the board and discuss the future."

With just two games left to play and no prizes to play for, Hay could begin planning for the next campaign by bringing in youngsters who have found limited first team opportunities this season. With his future undecided - and the feeling that the boat shouldn't be rocked - he's not going to upset the balance so late on in the season.

"I have spoken to the players and there won't be any dramatic changes. I've spoken to them about the game tomorrow and we are all focused on winning the match, or at least getting the point that makes us mathematically safe from finishing in the play-off space.

"All I am focusing on just now is getting the players ready for tomorrow's game and then again next week.

"I don't think it's necessary for me to come in and crack the whip with them and demand things. Their committment this season hasn't been in question.

"Having watched most of our games this season, I feel the players have performed consistently well. In some games, we could have got a better result, but that's football. "

Dave Mackay and Murray Davidson are both definitely ruled out for the trip to Dingwall tomorrow, with both also unlikely to feature again this campaign, owing to respective calf and groin injuries.

Jason Talbot - who returned to training last Monday - will travel with the squad tomorrow, but is unlikely to feature heavily in the remaining two matches.

Raffaele De Vita - who has missed the last few games with a hamstring injury - is fit and returns to the squad.