Hughes

By Graham Barnstaple
February 14 2012

Livingston have appointed their new management team to replace the sacked Gary Bollan.

They announced today former Hibs pair John Hughes and John Collins would take over, as Manager and Director of Football respectively.

Both played for Celtic at the same time and have maintained their friendship ever since. They have also been Manager of Hibs since then, and both were popular with the fans for the style of football they played.

Collins was in charge at Hibs for a season, and while he was lauded for his style of play his man-management was questioned by the players. He was seen as arrogant and aloof and this may have led in part to his departure. Although his reason for resigning was a problem with money for signing players.

Hughes had relatively successful spells atFalkirkand Hibs but both seemed to fizzle out as his passing tactics failed to lead to the number of wins they should have.

That aside this seems to be an expensive way forward for Livingston, and also a bit of a risk given the track record of clubs who have appointed a Director of Football in Scotland.

They tend to come in with great ideas and then there comes a clash with the Manager who wants to be in charge of all the football matters at a club.

The two have a big challenge ahead given promotion will be outwith their reach this season, and therefore have to make sure they are in a position to make a push next season.