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The statement on the official site, www.livingstonfc.co.uk says that Gough, who captained Rangers, Scotland and Everton as well as playing for numerous clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, during a long a glittering playing career, emerged as the leading candidate for the post and negotiations were completed yesterday.
He will be joined as Assistant Manager by coach Archie Knox, who has performed similar roles at Rangers, Everton, Manchester United and Aberdeen.
Alex Cleland (Reserve Coach) and Graeme Robertson (Head of Youth Development) will complete the coaching team at Livingston. Both joined the club last summer.
Richard will meet the playing squad today as they prepare for the vital league clash with Dundee at Almondvale on Saturday, December 4th. He will take charge as manager for that game.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate my capabilities as a manager. I watched Livingston at Rugby Park last weekend and look forward to working with the team firstly as we seek to improve the club’s league position, and also to plan ahead and strengthen the squad for this season and next,” commented Richard.
He was appointed by Lionheart Management, which has been running Livingston under contract to the Administrator since last June.
“I am delighted to welcome Richard to Almondvale. He arrives here with a hugely impressive reputation as a player and leader, having captained Rangers, Everton and Scotland, as well as playing for other clubs in Scotland, England and the United States,” commented Vivien Kyles, chief executive of Lionheart Management Ltd.
“Richard and Archie share many well-known attributes in football and the completion of the team has come together remarkably well. With Alex and Graeme in place already we have a strong management and coaching team and we look forward to them achieving success for everyone at the club.”
The appointment was welcomed also by Lionheart’s leading figure Pearse Flynn. “Richard Gough was a player of unparalleled leadership strengths. He achieved great success on the field and is now extremely ambitious to succeed in management. We are excited by his ideas and expect that his appointment will have a strong and positive impact on the club’s fortunes,” said Flynn.
“Allan Preston and Alan Kernaghan worked hard and achieved a lot in comparatively little time and I pay tribute to them for their efforts. We felt, however, that it was time for change and I am pleased that we have secured the services of a strong team in their place.”