Arfield takes interim post for remaining Livingston matches
Scott Arfield will be banking on experience after being appointed interim player-manager at Livingston, as The Lions look to end the season on a high despite relegation being confirmed. Saturday’s trip to Dundee will be Arfield’s first in the dugout, and he is under no illusion about the challenges that managerial posts can pose. “I was probably the most experienced within this group, hence the reason why I’m in this role.” “I’ve spoken to a lot of people that have done it and I understand how difficult it is, so we’ll see tomorrow how difficult it is,” Speaking with the media on Friday, the former Rangers midfielder was coy on any long-term managerial plans. “If I get a wee bit of grey hair then I’m not interested but if it’s three wins, we’ve only had two wins all season, you never know, you never know. “I don’t think you’re ever sure if you want to be in this position until you’re thrown in. I’m actually quite happy being thrown in at the deep end, I have been throughout my career at certain times and you either sink or you swim. “I wouldn’t throw my name in. They might throw my name in but I wouldn’t throw my name in. I still feel as if I’ve got a lot to give as a player. Arfield played under a player-manager setup in his early days at Falkirk, and recalled the difficulties the role can bring. “I remember when I was first coming through at Falkirk and Brian Rice was assistant to John Hughes, who was playing. John was the manager and I used to laugh when he was subbed off. “You’re completely fixated when you’re playing, you’re the manager but I think somebody has to make decisions because you can’t see it, you’re fixated in the game, people can see it from a vantage point so I think that’s a real difficult thing to do. “John Hughes didn’t take it very well, as you can imagine. The two of them started arguing and I had tears under my eyes, I thought it was hilarious.” With 760 career appearances, it is clear why the Livingston hierarchy turned to the Canadian for the remaining games.
Andy Halliday Set to Retire at the End of the Season
Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday will retire from professional football at the end of this season. The 34-year-old has only featured in two league games this season, but played in each of the Steelmen’s Premiership fixtures last campaign, picking up the Motherwell Players’ Player of the Year Award. With a career spanning 18 years at nine different clubs, Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, FK Gabala, Hearts and Motherwell, Halliday feels it is now the right time to hang his boots up. He said in an official statement: “I feel that time is right for me to step away from the playing side of the sport I adore. “There have been some ups and downs along the way, but when I look back on my career, I have zero regrets. So many players may not get to experience some of the things I’ve managed over the years, and for that, I’m grateful. “Being a footballer isn’t easy. It’s required a lot of sacrifice over the years, which is all part of what I signed up for, but for my loved ones, I owe them my deepest thank you. I simply wouldn’t have been able to get to where I got to without them. Their support has been incredible on this journey, and I don’t know what I would have done without them all. “I want to thank my teammates and staff at Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, Hearts and Motherwell for being a part of my journey. I’ve met some friends for life through this sport, and at every club I hold the fondest of memories that will stick with me. Thank you. “Despite this announcement and my appreciation for all the kind messages I’ve received recently, I don’t want any distractions for the boys as they look to finish this incredible season on a high. “We’re all desperate to close out as strongly as possible and gather as many points as we can, starting tomorrow against Hearts. “Thank you to the Motherwell fans for their support all season long, and let’s get stuck into these last three games.” Despite barely featuring under Jens Berthel Askou this season, Halliday was given the role of vice-captain at the beginning of the season as Motherwell currently sit fourth and in a strong position to lock that spot down as their own before the season ends. He has played 500 times for his nine different clubs, scoring 62 times, winning the Scottish Third Division with Livingston in 2010, and the Scottish Championship with Rangers and Hearts in 2016 and 2021. A familiar face already as a pundit, Halliday is likely to continue progressing in this career, but has spoke of a desire to also go into coaching.
