The New Old Firm? (Livingston F.C.)

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Product:	Livingston F.C.
Date:	31/07/01 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: none

Disadvantages: player poaching, celtic mad, low crowds

There has been much talk recently over what would happen to Scottish football should the Old Firm leave the game and head for England - a move supremos of both clubs say is inevitable. On recent evidence, Livingston FC would emerge as the new contenders to dominate Scottish football, throwing cash around like there's no tomorrow and plunging into financially-stricken clubs for their best players.

Livingston have received a lot of praise for their meteoric rise from the days of Meadowbank to, six short years later, the SPL. Their potential is enormous, thanks largely to the god-like ability of ex-Airdrie and Deportivo star David Fernandez up front.

That side of Livingston is well documented, but there is a darker side. As an Airdrie fan, I can tell you that they quickly became the most hated team the First Division has seen for many a year.

Chairman Dominic Keane will have you believe the club has built itself through shrewd marketing and buisness plans. Rubbish. The club is funded by Motorola, who provided 4000 free tickets PER GAME last season and also by the vice-chairman, but only because he won the lottery.

The Livingston board has an unhealthy obsession with Celtic, John McGuinness admitting he is a "sucker with anything to do with Celtic". They have countless links with Celtic and will soon emerge as a feeder club. It's widely believed David Fernandez has an agreement with Martin O'Neill in joining Livingston that will see him wear the green and white hoops sooner than later.

Furthermore, their attendances are embarrasing. A team that was top of the league and heading for promotion took 200 to New Broomfield last season. Their fans will only go when they get free tickets and their fans are all under 12.

Finally, the club has no tradition. Their support is comprised of Hearts and Hibs fans who can't be bothered travelling through to Edinburgh anymore.

So, in a season where
Scottish Football has almost lost a combined 200+ years of tradition with Airdrie and Morton, all anyone can do is praise Livingston. Trust me, the bubble will burst, financial experts say they have achieved too much too fast and if it happens, unlike with any other team in Scottish football, outsiders won't shed any tears.

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