Hughes fired up for first game at helm

NEW LIVINGSTON manager John Hughes takes charge of the West Lothian side for the first time tomorrow – and the former Falkirk and Hibs boss says he can’t wait to get back into the cut and thrust world of management.

Hughes – who joined the club along with director of football operations John Collins – says his side will attempt to play passing football, but he knows tomorrow’s opponents Raith Rovers will make it a hard task.

The Lions will be looking to build upon their last outing six days ago at the Braidwood Motor Company Stadium, where caretaker Brian Welsh oversaw a superb 3-1 victory over Partick Thistle.

Hughes said: “Raith Rovers will be a really tough game, with John McGlynn and Paul Smith having their side well organised and hard working.

“It might take 15 minutes for the boys to calm down, but I guarantee I’ll see 100 per cent attitude and commitment from them. I’m going to ask them to do the hardest thing in football – get on the ball and pass it. It might not be great on Saturday, it might be fantastic, but in the future that is how we’ll play.”

Collins will focus on the club’s overall strategy towards football development and both men have been told by the club’s board that the main aim is to develop young players and play good football. That’s a remit that has excited Hughes.

“My own experience of the First Division is that it’s hard,” he said. “Everyone’s capable of beating one another on the day. But it excites me, and when something excites me I want to be part of it.”