Lambert to become Livi boss

Former Scotland captain Paul Lambert has agreed to be the new manager of Livingston when his contract ends at Celtic at the end of the season.

He will take over on June 1 because current boss Richard Gough is to step down so he can return to the United States to be with his family.

Gough will leave after Saturday’s Bank of Scotland Premier League relegation decider with Dundee and Lambert, who will leave Celtic at the end of the season, will bring St Mirren captain Norrie McWhirter as his assistant, the club confirmed today.

Lambert, 35, made no secret of wanting to move into management when his playing career came to an end.

The midfielder was a Champions League winner with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 and returned to Germany for spells this season to take his coaching badges.

He and McWhirter, who is also a qualified coach, have agreed three-year contracts.

Livingston chairman Pearse Flynn was able to confirm the appointment after negotiations yesterday as news of Gough’s departure emerged.

Gough’s assistant manager Archie Knox will also be leaving after the Dundee game but Alec Cleland and Graeme Robertson are to remain as reserve-team coach and youth development manager.