Football Season Guide

It was the stuff of dreams last season as Livingston overcame an experienced Partick Thistle side to take their Premiership place and return to the top league for the first time since 2006. David Hopkin was the man to lead them to success, but he has since left for pastures new as former Rangers striker Kenny Miller takes up the role in a player/manager capacity. There's no doubting that having Miller on board is a real coup for Livi as a player. However, how he copes with the notoriously tricky role of also being the manager remains to be seen. Miller has shown good Betfred Cup form, and looks to be easing into the role nicely. He's had his work cut out for him over the summer too. Eyebrow raising departures saw first-team regulars Jackson Longridge and Gregor Buchanan drop back into the Championship. However, they've been replaced by some exciting new acquisitions in the form of Craig Sibbald from Falkirk and the return of Ryan Hardie from Rangers. With the likes of Steven Saunders, Callum Crane, Ricki Lamie, and Cameron Blues all signing up - Miller is clearly trying to blend some solid Premiership experience with young talents from the Championship. Scott Pittman has remained, though, and that's a big boost for Miller. The dogged midfielder will be central to any success the club have this season, as will the likes of Declan Gallagher and Craig Halkett at the back - both of whom were big components of the promotion-winning side. It looks as though former Rangers youth goalkeeper Liam Kelly is also going to be the new number one for Livingston this season. Miller has entrusted the youngster to take the reigns after the departure of the highly-experienced Neil Alexander over the summer. It's been a fine start for him as he helped win a penalty shootout at Hamilton Academical during the Betfred Cup group stages - conceding just one goal in his first three games. So far it looks as though Livingston have been able to replace quality with better quality. However, for many they'll still be seen as the favourites to go down, and it'll be down to Miller to balance his two roles and ensure dressing room harmony doesn't become an issue.