Livingston

Cristian Montano accepts Livingston’s main objective is Premiership survival, but says he'll always "aim high".

Livi finished eighth last season and could be in for a tough campaign with David Martindale's budget having been cut.

"Since I came here we have always spoken about staying in the league,” said defender Montano.

"As a player you always want to end up higher than just surviving relegation, but the main objective is to stay in the league, take one game at a time and see where we end up.

"Obviously last season we did really well and for various reasons dropped points and dropped out of the top six.

"You have to be ambitious in everything you do. As players, you don't just play football to survive, to escape relegation, you want to aim high all the time.

“We are all ambitious here but the main objective is to stay in the league."

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Our experts gaze into the crystal ball to give us some predictions for the new Premiership campaign...

Willie Miller: There must be heavy clouds over St Johnstone after starting so poorly in the League Cup. I think the Saints will struggle.

Kenny Miller: There's not a lot between the teams outside of the the big five. It will be tough for Dundee coming back up, it's dealing with that step up the consistent rise in quality that you are facing week-in, week out.

Leanne Crichton: Newly promoted teams tend to struggle and the budget cuts at Livingston are significant, but alarm bells are ringing at St Johnstone. I don't know if they are reluctant to spend and rebuild the squad because the club is up for sale.

Stephen Craigan: The League Cup isn't always a marker; look at St Mirren and Hibs last year - they missed out on qualification but then went on to finish in the top six. I'm not as optimistic for St Johnstone after losing three from four against lower-league opposition. I fear for them because they are short of numbers and quality right now.

Read the full piece here

Livingston boss David Martindale says there's "a lot to like" about Daniel MacKay after signing the Hibs forward on a season-long loan.

MacKay, 22, joined Hibs from Inverness Caley Thistle two years ago but has made just seven appearances for the Easter Road side.

After a six-month loan spell with Kilmarnock he spent last season back at Inverness, scoring five times in 40 games and helping to knock Livi out of both cup competitions.

“I have followed Dan’s career since his Inverness days under John Robertson and he has gone on and played a lot of football for a lad that has not long turned 22," said Martindale.

“He’s very direct, has great pace and a very good right foot, scoring a variety of goals – there’s certainly a lot to like about him.

“Dan will add to our options in the final third – he's able to play off both the left and right and has also played through the middle on occasion."

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Livingston host Aberdeen on Saturday, looking to get their league season off to a positive start.

Who would you pick to start if you were in David Martindale's shoes?

Choose your Livi XI here.

• Livingston have won both of their last two home league games against Aberdeen; they had only won one of their first 13 top-flight home matches against the Dons before this (D5 L7).

• Since Livingston were promoted in 2018, only Rangers (13) have won more league matches against the Lions than Aberdeen (10).

• Livingston have lost five of their last six MD1 games of a top-flight season (D1), including four of five since their promotion in 2018, with their last opening day top-flight win coming in 2004-05 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle (3-0) under Allan Preston.

• Aberdeen lost 2-0 to Celtic on MD1 last season, and could lose successive season openers in the league for the first time since a run of three from 2007-08 to 2009-10. However, against sides other than the Old Firm clubs (Celtic and Rangers), the Dons have won each of their last three MD1 matches, albeit all at Pittodrie.

• Bojan Miovski scored three goals in three league games for Aberdeen against Livingston last season. However, all three came at home, with the Macedonian only scoring one of his 16 league goals overall for the Dons last term away from home.

Andrew Dallas and Greg Aitken have been appointed as the first dedicated Video Assistant Referees in Scotland, while the Scottish FA has also created a VAR independent review panel.

With more than 30 years of combined experience as match officials, Dallas and Aitken will step back from on-field duties to focus on officiating from Clydesdale House.

Gary Hilland, Andrew McWilliam and Graeme Leslie will also call time on their on-field duties to take up positions as the first dedicated VAR assistants in Scotland.

"Andrew and Greg have significant experience officiating at the highest level but have both shown a particular aptitude operating as VARs since its launch last year," said Allan.

"With the new season upon us it is important for us to continue to improve the VAR operation in all areas, so while their time on the pitch has come to an end, we are delighted that our match officials will continue to benefit from their vast experience."

The independent review panel will comprise former players, managers and coaches. Guided by experts on the IFAB Laws of the Game, it will meet on a regular basis to discuss and give an independent view of VAR interventions and non-interventions.

The appointment of the dedicated VAR match officials and the independent review panel are facets of "a commitment to improved transparency and efficiency, and knowledge and understanding of VAR" after several controversies following its rollout in Scotland last autumn.

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Livingston B were taught a lesson by University of Stirling as the hosts eased to a 4-0 victory in the first round south of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

James Russell opened the scoring for the Lowland League hosts after only three minutes before three more goals in the final 20 minutes.

Fellow midfielder James Malcolm was next to find the net, followed within two minutes by striker Ben Maciver-Redwood and, three minutes from time, midfielder Nathan Tallen.

Stirling University visit League 2 side Clyde in the next round on 15/16 August.

David Martindale says Livingston have enough to be competitive again in the Scottish Premiership, despite a challenging transfer window.

The West Lothian side have seen several first-team players depart, and operate on one of the Scottish Premiership's tightest budgets.

“We’ve lost a lot of players, but I’m more than confident that with what we’ve got in the building that we’ll give it a right good go this season," Martindale said.

“It’s been a hard slog this summer, but I always knew that was going to be the case.

“I’ve spoken to six players from the Championship and Scottish Premiership that I would consider to be good players for us, and I’ve not been able to financially attract them to the club.

“This year I’ve found it difficult to attract Scottish players from within the game in Scotland, maybe these players would tell you something different, but the money plays a huge part, players have got short careers.

“I’d be a hypocrite to decry anybody for going and taking the money elsewhere.

“This has been the toughest [summer], it’s been the first summer where we’ve sat down as a club and said that the budget needs cut.

“The loan market [within Scotland] is one we’re forced to look into; bringing a player from England there’s relocation costs and accommodation on top of his wages. Bringing a player that doesn’t have a UK passport you’ve got all that again, plus work permit costs.

“I think there’s enough there to be competitive, but would I like another couple of additions - of course I would.

“I’m looking forward to the season, but I’m pragmatic and realistic enough to know it’s going to be a difficult season.”

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Brian McLauchlin, BBC Sport Scotland

Livingston manager David Martindale has been talking to the media before his side open their league campaign at home to Aberdeen on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• He wants to see Joel Nouble leave the club before the transfer window closes, because Martindale believes the player has "done enough to earn a bigger contract elsewhere".

• Martindale added that any deal would have to be "beneficial" to the club, and the closer it gets to the end of August, the more likely it is that Nouble will stay in West Lothian.

• As ever, he says the club's main aim is staying in the Scottish Premiership, but that the club's budget is based on them finishing 12th in the league table.

• Despite the departure of several players, he believes that Livingston will "give it a right good go this season".

• Reveals that he has spoken to six players from the Scottish Premiership and Championship about joining, but said he has "not been able to financially attract them to the club".

• There are no injury concerns going into the Aberdeen game.

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Image source, BBC Sport

Stuart Barrie, Livingston fan

Here we go on an incredible sixth season in a row in the Premiership for Livi. There’s never a dull moment with the Lions but the recently stability on and off that park makes this a golden time for us. It’s very pleasing to see a return to the golden/amber traditional home top and a rather smart black away kits too... both are top notch.

We’ve strengthened in most areas with Sangare looking a physical presence in midfield to complement the miniature maestros we have in the engine room. We look like we are going to three at the back so there’s a welcome couple of recruits in that area with Mickey Devlin catching the eye with solid performances already. Full back Jamie Brandon has also impressed this pre-season after an injury hit league campaign last year.

Goals are always going to be at a premium for Livi. If we can convert even half our penalties this season and break the terrible run of missing so many with almost every outfield player having a shot at pens and failing miserably, that'd be helpful...

There areloads of rumours around Joel Nouble being snapped up and Bruce Anderson has already turned down an offer from abroad so the attacking options upfront are probably an area boss Davie Martindale is keeping an eye on before the transfer window closes. There are rumours and even sightings of a South African winger signing for us so that could an exciting option if he ever gets to play...

It's early days but Stephen Kelly looks to be our main man going forward. He’s busy and creative with an eye for goal from a free kick. We offer more going forward with him in the team so keeping him fit and on form could be pivotal.

Predicted finish: Heart says 8th and head says 11th

Standout player will be: Stephen Kelly

Game most looking forward to: Dundee... We’ve a bit of rivalry since we relegated them a few years back, always nice to get 3 points from them.

Livingston will face Raith Rovers in the last 16 of the Viaplay Cup.

The West Lothian side, who progressed through as winners of Group C, will have home advantage for the encounter against the second-tier club.

The tie is due to be played on the weekend of 19/20 August.

Click here to view the last-16 draw in full.

Livingston manager David Martindale was relieved his side upped their game in the second half to secure Viaplay Cup progress against Clyde after a "frustrating" opening 45 minutes.

Bruce Anderson struck the winner 15 minutes from time as Livi topped Group C to reach the last 16.

"The first half was frustrating but I thought Clyde’s shape was very good," said Martindale.

"At times they created a bit of a threat on the counter, but we probably have to move the ball a wee bit quicker so it's difficult.

"I got a wee bit more information into the players at half-time which I felt would help us going into the second half.

"Too many of my players were dropping behind the game in the first half. They’ve done that a lot better in the second half.

"Brucey comes up with the goal. I was probably the only one in the stadium shouting don't shoot, pass, pass, but he took a shot on, 30 yards on his right foot for a terrible angle and it goes in. So that's football."

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Bruce Anderson scored the only goal as Livingston edged past stubborn Clyde to make sure of progress in the Viaplay Cup.

The West Lothian side will be among the unseeded sides when the last 16 draw is made on Sunday after gathering 10 points from four group games.

Anderson made the breakthrough on 75 minutes, drilling home from 20 yards.

The striker spurned a great chance to double his tally a few minutes later when his penalty was beaten away by goalkeeper Jack Leighfield, who made a series of good saves throughout the afternoon.

Substitute Joel Nouble went close to making it 2-0 late on when his long range strike whistled just wide.

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Alasdair Lamont, BBC Scotland

Group C

Hamilton Accies sit top, meaning a win over fellow-relegated side Cove Rangers ensures they will finish there.

A bonus point win would also keep them top if Livingston don’t beat Clyde and if they do, an Accies bonus point win would still send them through in second on 10 points.

A Cove victory, though, would give them first place IF Livi don’t get at least a bonus point and would put them in contention for a best-placed runners-up spot if Livi get two or three points, though Cove’s victory would have to be a pretty handsome one given their current goal difference is minus one.

As for Livingston, they’ll win the group with a victory if Accies fail to win.

The same is true of a bonus point win if Accies lose or lose on penalties.

Livi would qualify in second if both they and Accies triumph and a bonus point would still have them looking good in the event of an Accies win because of their impressive goal difference of plus eight.

Viaplay Cup progress is the target for Livingston on Saturday when they host Clyde, but it's going to be a tense afternoon.

Currently second in Group C, they're a point off of Accies in top spot and one clear of Cove Rangers who sit third.

Put yourself in David Martindale’s shoes and pick your starting XI here.

The UCI Cycling World Championship are coming to Glasgow in August and football fans across Scotland have been urged to plan ahead to avoid any delays in attending matches.

The event starts just two days before league action kicks off again on August 5 with increased strain expected to be placed on the public transport network.

An SPFL statement says: "The Scottish Professional Football League has been advised the event will likely impact travel surrounding games in the city at the start of the league season, and that supporters should allow additional time for journeys to matches.

"Matches taking part in the cinch Premiership during the event include Celtic v Ross County at Celtic Park on 5 August and Rangers v Livingston at Ibrox on 12 August.

"Fans passing through Glasgow city centre on the way to a match elsewhere in Scotland in the SPFL or SWPL during the event may also face delays."

New season, same old story of Livingston defying the odds?

David Martindale's squad is shorn of some mainstays this time round, with Nicky Devlin and Jack Fitzwater among those who have moved on, but the West Lothian men will again look to revel in their underdog status.

“It’s eventful, no two seasons are the same, we have ups and downs and it’s an adventure," Livi fan Stuart Barrie told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

“We’ve still got a budget that Championship clubs would laugh at. We still feel lucky to be in the top flight and you can see that with the manager and the team at the start of the season, there’s a real drive to make this work and stay here.

“I think 10th is punching above our weight, eighth is amazing, some of our fans were bitterly disappointed not to make top six and that’s two seasons in a row that we came close, that’s fairytale stuff for us.

“We’ve got a threadbare squad and some of the players aren’t on fortunes, they could earn more in the Championship, so it’s huge for us to be at that level.

“We live within our means, the club has a lot of really sensible people doing the right things and it’s run well and that just means anything above 11th, Martindale should get a statue for that."

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The Viaplay Cup last-16 draw will take place on Sunday after the final tie of the group stage, Dundee v Inverness CT, which kicks off at 15:00 BST.

The eight seeded clubs in the draw will be European representatives Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian, plus the three group winners with the best records.

The other five group winners and three best runners-up complete the line-up.

Second-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of August 19-20.

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