Transfer Rumours, Players In/Out

The season only ended less than a week ago, but already players are on the move from us it would seem. Mikey McKenna and Shaun Rutherford would appear to not be having their contracts renewed when Rankine goes. I think they could be the first of quite a few.

We've also only got three contracted players for next season: DJ, Pittman and White, confirmed by McDougall in an interview with EEN earlier in the week.

Also saw a rumour on P&B we're looking at the Musselburgh striker Jordan Sheerin, if he's anything like our last signing from the Juniors we'll be on the right track.

We've had a mixed bag from the juniors, McKenna wasn't really up to it at this level but Pittman looks a good player.

Shame about Rutherford as I'd have liked to have seen him getting a chance in the team. Hopefully we'll still have Talbot next season though.

Yeah McDougall's interview is in the season ticket thread, I stuck it in there earlier. Also mentioned we'd have had to go part time had we been relegated, Doubt we'd have been able to keep any of our players if that had happened, Kyles penalty prob saved a few staff jobs too.

If anyone is sniffing around our players then we've had it until Rankine hands over his shares.

Thought Sheerin could have been a decent signing going by our last from the juniors, but he plays for the same side that McKenna was 'the best player' at not so long ago... Also that he's not rated at all by Arbroath and East Fife fans doesn't fill me with confidence.

LiviLion wrote:Thought Sheerin could have been a decent signing going by our last from the juniors, but he plays for the same side that McKenna was 'the best player' at not so long ago... Also that he's not rated at all by Arbroath and East Fife fans doesn't fill me with confidence.

Yes I'd also heard that Sheerin wasn't highly thought of by some whereas Pittman seems to have been universally lauded.

Can understand about McKenna; seemed to start well but never really developed - seemed not too bad at defending though.

Real shame about Rutherford; thought he could have been a decent replacement for Talbot who may yet be leaving if we don't get the ban lifted in time.

Are you going by twitter, Afro?

Aye, saw directly from McKenna and noticed the livifcunofficial account on Instagram noting about Rutherford.

Burton has left the building.

No real surprise there; has done very well for the club in both spells. Goes with good wishes.

Quite sad to see him go but completely understandable. Excellent footballing brain and very good with the fans.

I was a bit disappointed that he didn't really seem to fit the captain's mantle when he got it for a game or two; that aside he's been a huge asset to the club. Would have been good in an ambassadorial role but understand he wants to keep playing for a few more years.

Thanks for keeping us in the championship Burton; good luck with your next challenge.

Burton O'Brien = Livi Legend

Thanks Bobo for everything!

Forfar seem to have a thing for signing players who are 30+, wonder if we'll still see him at the 'Vale next season...

Sad to see him go, hope he gets a decent move.

Calming influence in midfield, was good having him back again. Wish him well in getting a new club.

Cole would be a decent signing to fit in there but would think his sights would be set on a bigger club than Livi, whether he gets one or not we'll have to wait and see.

Praprotnik and Walker the next two to be released.

Not too bothered about that, was hoping to see more of Praprotnik but seemed to struggle to even get on the bench so can't be too great.

LiviLion wrote:Praprotnik and Walker the next two to be released.

Not too bothered about that, was hoping to see more of Praprotnik but seemed to struggle to even get on the bench so can't be too great.

Always thought Walker could "come good" if given the chance but feel he wasn't going to replace DJ so its probably better that he moves on - from his own perspective as much as anything else. Get a club where he can have a proper shot at the number one jersey and who knows.

I actually criticised him when he got a couple of first team appearances (18 months ago?) when he appeared to blame everyone but himself for a couple of goals given away - however I would like to see DJ taking a more active part in organising his defence - maybe that's something Kevin got right? Anyway; a nice guy and a good goalkeeper but career wise it's probably the right choice to move on - good luck Kevin.

Praprotnik looked good in his first couple of appearances a year ago but whenever I've seen him since he's looked decidedly average.

Thanks guys for all the info on departing players,but where are you getting this info.

Smithy wrote:Thanks guys for all the info on departing players,but where are you getting this info.

Not sure but Rutherford; McKenna and O'Brien are all on the players' twitter accounts. Shaun sounds particularly down I'm afraid.

shaun rutherford @ShaaunR wrote: May 8 Gutted to be released by Livi but footballs a tough game sometimes. Hopefully get back into soccer soon #onwardsandupwards

Callum Carson on Twitter is where I have a look, journalist for West Lothian Courier.

https://twitter.com/CallumCarson34

Thanks guys

Gutted for big Kev. Top lad the two times I've met him and seemed absolutely buzzing to spend time with a fan. Always rated him highly as a keeper and got my fingers crossed he gets some game time for a decent team in the SPFL.

Burton will be in any hall of fame we eventually have, very classy player.

I think McKenna and Rutherford had more to give so it's a shame to see them go, particularly Rutherford. Hopefully that means Talbot will stay.

Everyone that has been mentioned leaving on here have been confirmed in this article about O'Brien leaving.

“After recent discussions, I will be leaving Livingston,” he explained. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my second spell at the club culminating in winning the Petrofac Training Cup and securing our status in the Championship. I’d like to thank all my team-mates, past and present, and the chairman Gordon McDougall who works tirelessly day in day out.
 

“Finally, thank you to the fans. I wish you and the club every success in the future.”

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/livingston/burton-o-brien-won-t-be-returning-to-livingston-1-3769871

Slovenian midfielder Nejc Praprotnik and goalkeeper Kevin Walker have also been informed they won’t be offered new deals with the club announcing last Friday that both Shaun Rutherford and Michael McKenna have also been released.

On the goalkeeping side I suppose it depends on who we have coming up through the youth system. Kevin made zero appearances last season so I suppose the bean-counters could say that was money down the drain?

Shame though - really nice guy.

Ryan Currie signs for another season. Callum Carson saying Burchill plans to be registered next season as well which I presume means he'll be manager.

Watching LiviLive, Burchill says there's about 7 or 8 under contract for next season and 14 or so out of contract.

EdinburghLivi wrote:Ryan Currie signs for another season. Callum Carson saying Burchill plans to be registered next season as well which I presume means he'll be manager.

Watching LiviLive, Burchill says there's about 7 or 8 under contract for next season and 14 or so out of contract.

Thought we were blocked from signing or renewing contracts at the moment - maybe there something about under 19's?

Do we know who the 7 or 8 are?

I know of DJ and I assumed Pittman was on an 18 month contract?

Going by our website/ press, these should be the players in/ out of contract... (Edited)

In ontract
Darren Jamieson (Signed 2 year extension Jan ’14)
Scott Pittman (Signed 18 month deal Jan ’15)
Jordan White (Signed 2 year deal July ’14)
Danny Mullen (Signed 2 year deal May '15)
Ryan Currie (Signed 12 month deal May ‘15)
Mark Burchill (Signing new deal June '15)

Out of Contract
Kyle Jacobs (Signed 18 month contract Jan ’14)
Keaghan Jacobs (Been in the press that he’s out of contract)
Rory Boulding (Signed till end of Season Feb ’15)
Darren Cole (Signed till end of Season Jan ’15)
Ibra Sekajja (Signed till end of Season Jan ’15)
Myles Hippolyte (Signed 12 month contract July ’14)
Declan Gallagher (Signed 12 month contract July ’14)
Brad Donaldson (Signed 12 month contract July ’14)

Away
Jason Talbot - Dunfermline
Callum Fordyce - Dunfermline
Kevin Walker - Berwick Rangers
Shaun Rutherford
Burton O'Brien
Nejc Praprotnik
Jack Beaumont
Michael McKenna - Berwick Rangers
Craig Sives
Gary Glen
Sam Birch

Unclear
Gabriel Auriemma
Jack Cook
Cammy Fraser
Ross King
Darren Moffat

Jack Beaumont's away. Thought he showed potential to go on and be a good player any time I saw him play.