Proctor delighted to see his job at Lions through

MARK PROCTOR today spoke of his relief after being confirmed as Livingston manager for the coming season following the collapse of a deal with Irish property tycoon Anthony McMullen.

Proctor and his assistant Curtis Fleming have been told by chairman Pearse Flynn their current contracts, which have a year to run, will be honoured.

McMullen was expected to demand the appointment of friend Roddy Collins as director of football, who was in turn rumoured to be looking for a big-name manager, with the likes of John Hartson and Jackie MacNamara mentioned.

Proctor said: "Like everyone else I had been reading all sorts of stories about big names coming in. I have been in football a long time and know that if new owners come in they tend to bring their own people.

"Supporters like big names but Livingston have been down that route before with people like Richard Gough, Paul Lambert and John Robertson – all top-class international players with big reputations – but I am the only manager to be given a second term, so obviously I am delighted to be given the chance to see the job through."

Proctor has already started planning for next season and has released four first-team players, but he said the promise of any potential cash from the McMullen deal did not play a part.

"I have been told to manage the playing staff and release and recruit players. Those decisions were taken purely for football reasons."

While confirming Proctor and Fleming in their current roles for another season, chairman Pearse Flynn released this statement:

"McMullen properties failed to meet certain criteria set by the board to enable its investment.

"Mark Proctor and Curtis Fleming have handled the recent situation in an exemplary manner.

"They have got on with their jobs while speculation raged around them, and while they have been kept informed of the situation at every stage, this has been a very stressful time.

• LIVINGSTON'S reserve team, including ten under-19s, beat Partick 5-0 at Almondvale last night to secure their place in the Reserve League Cup Final against Clyde. The club's under-19s have already won the Youth Division Championship.