Winters enjoying end of discontent

Published on Saturday 31 July 2010 13:37

THUS far it has been a case of two steps back to take one leap forward, but the fact is that Livingston Football Club now have positive momentum.

It's a far cry from this time last year, when things seemed to be consumed by negativity. The turmoil and financial difficulties of the previous regime, the threat of liquidation, the subsequent takeover, followed by the decision by the Scottish Football League to remove them from the First Division and dump them down into the Third.

But having quickly regrouped, they ended the season on a high. A mere six league defeats in a season which saw manager Gary Bollan blend together a mix of young players who had emerged from all the off-field problems mentally tougher and a sprinkling of older professionals, was enough to ensure they won the league title with relative ease. A bad throw of the dice had seen them slither to the bottom of the pile but they are now on their way back up, rung by rung and as far as Robbie Winters is concerned, there is no reason why they can't keep climbing.

With players who not only rediscovered a joy in reporting to work every day and regained the confidence needed to win games, the squad also found a way of gelling in adversity and Winters, pictured, says that having come through the bad times, everyone is now better placed to make the most of whatever lies in front of them.

"I think everybody knows what the circumstances were. But that is all gone, it's all behind us now. The new chairman came in, new manager and new players and we have added to the squad again this summer so we are going in the right direction. Livingston want to be at the top level of Scottish football, in the top league and it was unfortunate that we had to come down, but we are working hard and hoping we can go right back up again.

"It was difficult for everyone at the club at that time, not knowing what was happening and if they were getting their wages and so on and then when we went down to the Third Division there was more uncertainty for the boys but now we have a good football club and they want to help youngsters to progress and help ensure the club remains a big part of the community. I think the club, the players, the fans all deserve credit."

An addition to the squad only after the dust of last summer's upheaval had settled, Winters was a key performer for the team, using his experience to aid the players around him, talking them through games as well as mending shattered spirits. It earned the 35-year-old accolades as well as a league-winner's medal. He was his team-mates' choice for player of the year as well as the PFA Scotland's Third Division player of the year.

"It's fantastic to get those awards but the Third Division one was really for the whole team, the whole club, because we all know it's difficult to get individual awards if you are playing in a team that's not doing so good."

But his team-mates played the type of game which suited him.They got on the end of the chances he created, and made sure there were opportunities for him to add to his goal tally as well.

Slow starters last season before things clicked into place, they want a brighter beginning to the campaign this term as they are aware points will be harder to come by.

"There are a lot of good teams and Ayr and Airdrie have come down from the First Division and will be looking to bounce straight back up so it will be a tougher league but we are going for promotion again and if we can keep away from injuries then I think we all feel we have a right good shot at it."

The will, as well as the momentum is certainly there.