BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Livingston caretaker manager David Hopkin admits he is having to pick himself up – as well as the players – following the shock decision to sack Mark Burchill.
Former Scotland internationalist Hopkin was gutted to see Burchill shown the door 11 months after becoming his assistant at the West Lothian outfit.
Despite preserving the club’s Championship status and winning the Petrofac Training Cup last season, Burchill paid the price for collecting just two league wins in ten, a run of form that has left the Lions in the relegation play-off zone.
Ahead of the Boxing Day trip to St Mirren, former Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Leeds United midfielder Hopkin admits Burchill’s departure was felt by entire playing staff.
He said: “Everyone at the club, myself and the players are disappointed that Mark has left.
“There were a sombre mood around the place on Tuesday.
“It was a sad day, especially for myself as he brought me to the club but we have to put it behind us.
“I’ve been asked to take the next two games by the club and that’s what I’ll do, that starts on Saturday and then the game on Tuesday at Falkirk.
“I spoke to Mark and he told me to go and take it.
“I’ve got no doubt he will get another job. He’s only 35, he’s driven, he has that self-confidence and he’s detailed in everything he does.
“I’ve learned a lot from him in the year we’ve worked together and I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”
However, Hopkin, who amassed seven Scotland caps, insists he does not know whether he will put his name forward for the vacancy.
He added: “No doubt there will be a lot of people applying for the job and there will be a lot of people with decent CVs.
“Going for the job has not even entered my mind at all, I didn’t think this was going to happen.
“I thought we were doing a good job, we kept the club up last season and won the Petrofac Training Cup.
“I’m just going to take these two games and see what happens after Tuesday.”
