David McNamee NEW Interview

Last updated : 29 March 2004 By Dov
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David McNamme NEW InterviewTen Second Interview

ONE thing’s certain for this season’s crop of Livingston players and fans – there’s never a dull moment.

It’s been an incredible season of highs and lows for everyone connected with the club.

But for David McNamee, more than most, it’s been a real topsy-turvy year.

Earlier in the season we reported how David was starting to wonder whether anyone actually realised he was Scottish.

But he got all the confirmation required on Tuesday, when Scotland manager Bertie Vogts named him in the squad to face Romania at Hampden next Wednesday. The only thing was – it seemed everyone knew about it except David. “The first I heard about it was from Roddy McKenzie. He said it had been in the papers, but I hadn’t seen it. I got the official fax through when I arrived at the club.”

The first thing David did was phone his dad to tell him the good news. “But he already knew about it from the papers,” he joked.

“I had no idea whatsoever that it was in the offing,” added David, who has never previously represented his country at any level. “It’s taking a while to sink in, but obviously I am delighted. It’s something I have always wanted to get involved in. Now I just hope that I am playing.

“I feel that I have been in a bit of form, but all credit must go to the team. It’s a lot easier when the team’s doing well to pick your own game up. The defence have done particularly well and the team has complemented my style of play.”

Although the Scotland call-up has put David on a high, the club’s move into administration has ensured that his feet are kept firmly on the ground.

He now takes nothing for granted, after fearing that he could end up without a club and without a job in football. “We knew there was a bit of a financial problem with the pay the week before, but obviously no-one knew it was at that level,” added David. “When it came out that the administrators were coming in, it was difficult for the players to concentrate on the Dundee game in the CIS Cup.

“For a game that size and the conditions presented to us, it was tough. But a few of the lads characters showed through and we got through the game.”

David said his first thoughts on learning the news were what was he going to do. “Every lad here has a mortgage and bills to pay. I’m no different, I don’t have a family to support, but I still do have financial things I have to take care of. You’ve got that worry and the worry whether you’re gong to get another club with the climate the way it is. That’s your biggest fear.”

One thing David is in no doubt of is that the off-field troubles have definitely brought the team closer together. “There was always talk in the papers that there was a split in the camp with the foreigners and the British-based players; the language barrier and stuff like that.

“When this happened, it was all just one language we were speaking and we were all there for each other. If anyone needed any help we could speak about it.

“It brought the whole team together.”

David also revealed the secret weapon behind the team’s successful CIS Cup exploits – fitness coach George McNeil.

“We went away and normally I’m not a great sleeper in a hotel. But that night I slept not too bad. It was very relaxed. George McNeil came in and did a stand-up talk for us. It was brilliant and if anybody was feeling a bit of nerves, he went through each of the players in turn with funny comments. He had a good go at all of us and it was very, very funny and relaxed us.”

David’s keen for a return visit to Hampden in a final, having enjoyed the sense of occasion against Hibs, although there’s still a tough game against Celtic to take place before that can happen. “The police escort was great,” added David, “ taking us into Hampden where the fans were gathering. It was something I’ll look back on and never forget. The fans were either cheering or booing and it was something you look out on and see what it means to both sets of fans. It makes you realise how much passion is involved in the game.

“We knew that their big support would either work to inspire or put added pressure on them. It certainly didn’t distract us and we would have much preferred if they filled the whole of Hampden with their fans if it was going to make for a better atmosphere.

“Our fans were drastically outnumbered, but once we slammed the two past them, it went dead apart from our end.”

While David acknowledges the forthcoming Scottish Cup semi final tie against Celtic is obviously a difficult game, it’s one where he reckons it’s not impossible for Livingston to get a result. “It’s a cup game and strangers things have happened in life than Livingston beating Celtic in a semi final. We’re not going to be overawed in any way, we’re just going out there to enjoy the game and enjoy the occasion.”

In spite of their cup success, David says the players are firmly focused on the need to ensure a top six place in the league: “We’re still striving for the top six because we know financially it will help the club. You could look through the leagues all over the world and you’re not going to get as many as tight in the middle as this one. Finishing in the top six will cap off a very successful season for us. It will be tough for us today against Dunfermline, but every game in this league is tough.

Looking back on the season so far, David said: “I think if someone had said to me six months ago, this is what’s going to happen, I’d probably have given them a slap in the face and said stop dreaming. It’s been a real rollercoaster ride, but if you ask the fans, I’m sure they’ll probably say it’s been one of the best years we’ve ever had.”



When and where were you born?

Glasgow 10/10/1980

Romantic status (ie married, single, available, unavailable)


Single and available

What’s your favourite record?

The Scientist by Coldplay
Who would you want to play you in a film?

Bill Murray

What do you like most about West Lothian?

The banter is really good

What do you like least about West Lothian?

Allan Preston’s banter

If you could be someone else, who would it be?

Roy Keane

What do you like most about yourself?

My sense of humour

What do you like least
about yourself?


I can be too laid back

What would people be surprised to know about you?

My sister is a doctor and won two silver medals in the British Athletics Championships.


























































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