Football Season Guide

It was a season of two halves for Gary Holt's Livingston last year. For the first half, they were an injection of freshness, and managed to get into the top six and potentially looking at the European places. But performance levels dipped and the rest of the division got used to Livi's tough-tackling approach, and they ended the campaign in ninth. For Livi's first year back, it was a terrific position to finish up in. But now Holt will have his eyes on bigger things this term, and will have to deal with some disappointing departures this summer. Livi have lost plenty of their steel, with Craig Halkett, Declan Gallagher, Shaun Byrne and number one Liam Kelly all leaving. Their number one striker, Dolly Menga, has also departed. Menga has worryingly yet to be replaced, with Ryan Hardie also leaving for Blackpool. It leaves Livi without an out-and-out striker outside of Lyndon Dykes. More is required this summer up top for Livi to reach the same heights of last season. Moves have been made to sort out the defensive departures. Cece Pepe and Nicky Devlin have been brought in to replace Gallagher and Halkett, but Livi have signed Marija Sarkic to battle reserve goalkeeper Ross Stewart for the number one spot. The highlight for Livi is the addition of Marvin Bartley to their midfield. With Keaghan Jacobs and Scott Pittman still at the club, this continues to be the strongest area of their squad. Expect a similar aggressive approach from Livi this season, but with a touch of added flair to their football.