Lyndon Dykes will be ‘massive loss’ as Livingston striker set for £2m QPR move

But manager Gary Holt is ‘buzzing for the big man’ as club agrees record fee

QPR-bound Lyndon Dykes watches on from the stands during Livingston's match against Rangers at the Tony Macaroni Arena. Picture: Craig Williamson/NMC Pool/PA Wire.

Livingston manager Gary Holt admits the departure of Lyndon Dykes will be a “massive loss” for his team after the West Lothian club agreed a record fee of around £2 million for the striker with Queen’s Park Rangers.

The 24-year-old is now discussing personal terms with the English Championship outfit.

Holt has no illusions about how difficult it will be to replace Australian-born Dykes, who scored 13 goals in 36 appearances following his arrival from Queen of the South last year, but is thrilled to see him securing an exciting career opportunity.

Dykes sat out Livingston’s 0-0 draw against Rangers on Sunday, his striking slot filled by 20-year-old Jack Hamilton.

“I’m buzzing for the big man – we all are,” said Holt. “Any player who comes in and does well for us, then moves to enhance his career is a feather in the cap for everybody, not just me, but everyone at the club.

“It shows people who want to come and learn, work hard and enjoy their work have the chance to improve. We’ve agreed our end and if the deal gets done there will be no one more pleased than me.

“It’s a massive loss for us, of course it is. But one door closes and another one opens.

“Big Jack Hamilton came in at the last minute and didn’t do himself any harm. He still needs to learn the game but what a test for him.

“He wasn’t a fish out of water, but when he came off he said ‘That’s hard work gaffer’. I told him that’s what it will be 
like every week, that’s why we’ll keep pushing him to improve. Lyndon had that but it’s up to him now. It’s a man’s world.

“I haven’t thought about the money. I’m delighted for the club but I just see what comes. My phone will be red hot with players who want to come. It’s about the right ones who will enhance the group.”

Holt was understandably satisfied with his team’s efforts as Rangers dropped their first points of the season.

“The game plan and the shape of the team was excellent,” he added. “You’d like us to be a bit better with the ball but Rangers don’t give you the opportunity.

“I can’t fault them for work-rate and desire, with that willingness to put their bodies in where it hurts.

“We’re still a work in progress and we’re learning on our feet. It’s a harsh world in this league but there are indications we’re getting there. As a team we were outstanding today.

“Rangers are an exceptional side, they have attacking players with real flair, but I told the boys not to get anxious when we didn’t have the ball, just stick to the game plan. It was about doing our jobs and I thought we were excellent defensively.”

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