Livingston to let go ten top players

Livingston last night announced the departure of ten high-profile players ahead of a squad overhaul this summer.

The West Lothian club is expected to make significant financial cutbacks ahead of next season, with skipper Liam Fox, former Hibs pair Andy McNeil and Kevin McCann and striker Iain Russell moving on.

The Almondvale outfit recently announced a pre-contract agreement with ex-Hearts striker Calum Elliot but, with on-loan Hibs full-back Callum Booth returning to Easter Road, will also have to do without defensive stalwarts Craig Barr and Jesus Garcia Tena, French midfielder Anthony Andreu and young forwards Jordan Morton and Andrew Russell.

The departures leave manager Richie Burke, who was appointed on a permanent basis just five weeks ago, with a massive job to piece together a squad for next term.

Chief executive Ged Nixon said: “These departures are a combination of the budgetary constraints for next season and the manager’s view on his squad going forward.”

Meanwhile, Burke and assistant Mark Burchill are continuing talks aimed at keeping other out-of-contract players.