Roddy takes high road to Livi

RODDY COLLINS has been appointed as the general manager of Livingston FC, after Irish businessman Anthony McMullen secured a 50% stake in the club.

Collins, one of Irish football’s most colourful characters, has managed Bohemians, Carlisle United and Shamrock Rovers, but in his new role at the Scottish club is expected to operate as a Director of Football.

However, his appointment probably spells the end for current boss Mark Proctor, after Livingston finished a disappointing fourth from bottom in the Scottish First Division this season.

The McMullen Group will invest about £2m (€2.5m) in the club over the next three years, adding to an investment from West Lothian businessman Ged Nixon. McMullen was recently linked with a move to buy Gretna when the relegated SPL club went into administration and also expressed an interest in taking over crisis-hit Rotherham United.

Speaking about his investment in Livingston, McMullen said: “You don’t just buy a club, you build a club. I’m coming on board because I want to build Livingston into one of the top clubs in the SPL. To achieve this we need to ensure that the correct foundations are in place.”