Smith hoping to help Livi 'thrive' in the Premiership
David Martindale wants Livingston "not to just survive" but to "thrive" in the Premiership, according to winger Lewis Smith.The former Hamilton Accies man scored the second goal in the 3-1 win over Falkirk in yesterday's battle between the two promoted sides, putting Livi - probably briefly - on top of the table."For the club, [the aim] is just to finish as high as possible," Smith said. "The gaffer's trying to instil in the mindset not to just survive, to try and thrive in the league."We're trying to play good football and I think you've seen that so far in the first two games. "We've scored a good few goals too, and personally I just want to try and help the team as best I can, score goals and chip in with assists too."Smith joined Livingston at the start of last season and was a key part of their late push for the Championship title, with Falkirk finally getting over the line on the final weekend.He took his goal against the Bairns well, curling in an absolute beauty from the edge of the box."It was a really good team move, and then the ball came to me on edge of the box and I just cut inside," he said. "It opened up well for me and yeah, thankfully it went in."In the first half, especially right at the start of the game, we were weathering a bit of a storm, but we scored the goals at a crucial time, just before half-time. It gave us a real boost going into the second half."A lot has been made of Livingston's plastic pitch, but the club has upgraded the surface over the summer and Smith sang its praises."The new pitch is great," he added. "People have a go at astro pitches, but ours and Falkirk's is top-notch now and it's really good. "You can tell in the games that have been played this season so far, the ball moves really quickly and I like it because it's easier to run and to pass the ball, so it's good."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Ally McCoist casts doubt over Arsenal after being "surprised" by Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal are desperate to go one better than their three successive runner-up finishes in the Premier League and will pin their hopes on new £64million frontman Viktor Gyokeres delivering the goals Ally McCoist is confident Viktor Gyokeres will be a success at Arsenal - but is unsure if he can fire them to the Premier League title this season. The former Scotland and Rangers striker is excited to see the super Swede hit English football this season. McCoist has been calling out for the Gunners to land a striker and now they've got their man with the £64m signing from Sporting Lisbon. 'I think he'll score goals, but I'm of the opinion, it would be quite difficult not to score goals in that Arsenal team. Whether he scores enough goals to help him to the title… I watched him a few times last year and it was impressive, he was, he's very impressive. 'I was surprised at the level of the improvement in him. His finishing was excellent. What I liked about him as well, when he he missed a few chances. He was like 'forget about that, next chance'. I think he'll do well. 'I'm looking forward to seeing Arsenal, I really am, I mean, there's nobody on the planet giving Arsenal more stick for not having an out-and-out centre-forward than me. So, I look forward to see it.' Gyokeres will be hoping to get off to a flying start when Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United and his former boss Ruben Amorim. Mikel Areta's men will want to get off to a fast start to keep pace with title favourites Liverpool. McCoist believes after their summer recruitment that Arne Slot 's men are going to be hard to catch this season for any team. He said: 'They've got the work done early as well and not sure it's finished yet. 'The signings have been excellent. By far and away the strongest team in the league last year, very impressive. I do expect it to be closer. Arsenal have had a great window as well, but we've all got to be really impressed by the way Liverpool have gone about it and how well they've done to get their business done early. 'If they get Alexander Isak, Jesus, that will be fantastic for them. One, two, three, four, five? Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa.'
Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Man United 'plot £50m swoop for Carlos Baleba alternative' - despite Brighton midfielder 'showing interest' in Old Trafford move
Manchester United have reportedly identified a cheaper alternative to Carlos Baleba should they miss out of their priority target before the close of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have significantly bolstered Ruben Amorim 's attack this summer with the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for fees of £62.5million, £71m and £74m respectively. United have now turned their attention to the middle of park, with Brighton 's star midfielder Baleba, 21, understood to be the primary target. Baleba, who has spent two seasons as a regular starter for the Seagulls after arriving from Lille in 2023, is expected to demand a hefty transfer fee worth between £100m and £120m this summer, given he still has a minimum of three years left on his Brighton deal. According to The Sun, Manchester United are now considering a £50m move for Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand, who was once a favourite of Amorim's during his time in the Portuguese capital. The newspaper claims that Hjulmand, who is expected to cost half the fee Baleba would demand, would only be pursued if United miss out on the Cameroonian altogether. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed on Wednesday that United are ready to step up their pursuit of Baleba after hearing the player is keen to make the switch. But Amorim is also a strong admirer of the Danish midfielder and has previously lauded his 'monster mentality' and leadership qualities, having appointed him captain. Baleba helped Brighton finish eighth in the Premier League last season, just five points off fifth-placed Newcastle, who secured Champions League football. The Seagulls, who have made a habit of selling the likes of Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for huge profits, are less keen to sell Baleba this summer given he had an impressive season. According to The Athletic, a move for the youngster is 'improbable' unless United are able to secure a series of lucrative sales before the window closes at the start of next month. Only Liverpool and Chelsea can boast a higher spend among the Premier League's money-spinning corridors this summer. One Manchester United fan has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds for a Baleba bid, though in four days it had only raised £501 of its £120m target. In defensive midfield, United currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer as options, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can also be deployed in the centre of the park in their 3-4-3 formation. One Manchester United fan set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Baleba's transfer fee The Brighton star revealed in a previous interview that reigning Ballon d'Or holder Rodri is an inspiration of his as he continues to make strides in his budding career. 'I want to win the Ballon D'or like Rodri,' Baleba said. 'His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d'Or one day.' The youngster was born and raised in Douala - also the birthplace of four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o.
Leader Live
26 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Brendan Rodgers hot and bothered by claim that taking tie off was ‘a message'
Rodgers was made aware of the conspiracy theory over his happiness at the club that was aired on a radio phone-in. The 52-year-old is experiencing an ongoing wait for attacking additions to his squad and recently asserted that he would only extend his contract if the club showed ambition. But his Pittodrie clothing choice was no fashion statement. Rodgers, who wore a suit and open-necked shirt during the 2-0 win, said: 'It's unbelievable. Someone told me this here. I'm supposedly sending messages. It's unbelievable. 'See when it's really hot, you either take off your jacket or your tie. And see when it's really cold, you wear a jumper. 'I remember last year I wore a jumper. People said, he's sending a message. What message? B****y freezing. I was wearing a jumper and my big coat. 'And last week. There's two grounds I've realised in my career that are absolutely boiling, if the sun's hitting your dugout. Pittodrie and Preston. Deepdale. I went there once before and I got absolutely roasted on the day. 'Pittodrie is the same because the sun hits you. So, I thought I'll either take off my jacket or take off my tie. So, I took my tie off. 'So I don't know what message that is. I'm just warm. Modern football, eh? I'm sorry if I've wasted people's energy and time but I was just a wee bit hot and that's why I had no tie.' Rodgers confirmed he would be wearing a tie for Friday's Premier Sports Cup clash with Falkirk. 'I'll look at the temperature,' he said. 'It should be back on, yes. 'I've always been the shirt and tie man. My father always brought me up, be respectful. When he sent me on trial to clubs when I was younger, at 13, 14, he would send me away in a shirt and tie. From that, I've always represented him in respect level. So, it's always shirt and tie where it can be.'
