Livi link up United

Last updated : 27 July 2003 By Dov
Livingston have signed a sensational deal with Manchester United to be one of the Premiership champion's feeder clubs. Negotiations have been on the go for over a year between United and the SPL side.

And the arrangement known as a "co-operative agreement" - likely for a minimum four years - arose through the friendship between former Livi owner Willie Haughey and Sir Alex Ferguson. It means United may send promising youngsters to West Lothian for top team experience and United will be kept up to date on any quality players at Dominic Keane's club.

The move will be announced next month and Reds chief executive Peter Kenyon hopes it sees a return to the days when Man U had top Scots like Gordon McQueen, Joe Jordan and Brian McClair. Kenyon said: "We've tied up a relationship with Livingston. United used to get so many Scots but we feel that has dried up in the past few years.

"It will be a good feeder - the number of top Scottish players we've had over the years has been quite phenomenal and we want to re- establish that tie.

"We're looking to make use of Livingston's excellent catchment area.

"It will be a two-way deal. First we'll identify the young boys in Scotland who could do well for us and we'll also send players up to Livingston. "We have several similar relationships throughout Europe and they all work well for the development of our players as they need competitive football."

The deal could see United stars of the future like Michael Stewart and Darren Fletcher honing their skills in the SPL. Livingston will become the sixth club to sign a "co-operative agreement" this year with United following on from Sao Paolo (Brazil), Nantes (France), Sporting Lisbon (Portugal), Walsall (England) and Welsh side Connah's Quay Nomads.

And they are already tied up with Royal Antwerp (Belgium), Oslo East (Norway), Shelbourne (Ireland), Bronnapojkarna (Sweden) and Parammatta Eagles (Australia).

Here's what the Manchester United site says about the deal -

Manchester United are poised to sign up ANOTHER feeder club — Scottish side Livingston. They have agreed a deal in principal with the Scottish Premier League outfit and will sign next month — making it their SIXTH partnership of the summer.

Livingston are THE success side of football north of the border. Formerly Meadowbank Thistle, they have risen from non-league football to the Scottish top flight. Crucially, they are based in between Glasgow and Edinburgh — giving United the pick of the best Scottish talent. Sport of the World can reveal that the Premiership champions will have 12 deals with clubs across the globe by September which will give them access to the top young prospects.

This summer they have signed up Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, Nantes in France, Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Welsh side Connahs Quay Nomads and First Division Walsall.