SPFL YouTube presenter Douglas Kellock caught up with Livingston player-boss Mark Burchill in the boot room at the Energy Assets Arena to get his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s Petrofac Training Cup final.
We got the lowdown on Burchill’s big game experience - where he’s played and who he has lined up alongside.
He looks back on his playing days at Celtic and cites Celtic Park as the best place he has ever played - donning the Hoops and scoring goals in front of 60,000 fans.
Alongside Celtic, Burchill has an interesting CV and counts Portsmouth, Hearts and Dunfermline as former clubs. Aside from Henrik Larsson, he reckons former Croatia captain Robert ProsineÄÂki is the best player he has ever played alongside.
Coaching is not new to the player given that he was assistant to John McGlynn for 18 months before making the step up to player-boss. He does, however, recognise the additional responsibility that being in charge brings: "You need to be nailed on in every single detail. When you’re the assistant or a player, everything is done for you. When you’re the manager, you do everything for everyone else."
Burchill is nearing a return to full fitness after injury but was non-committal on whether he would feature as a player on Sunday.
He said: “The most important thing is just trying to set up the team properly. Regardless of whether I play or don’t play, it’s about getting the team tactics right, getting the players focused, getting them organised, getting them ready to express themselves.”
The West Lothian club are currently bottom of the Championship, and are in the midst of a relegation battle, but the Livi gaffer feels that a cup victory could turn their season around.
He added: “It could be massive. It would really prepare us and give us confidence for the last six league games. Six games and five points - it could easily be done."
What?
SPFL Championship sides Livingston and Alloa Athletic will battle it out, on Sunday the 5th of April, in the final of the Petrofac Training Cup.
The match kicks off at 4.05pm and will take place at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Fanzone!
All supporters are invited to our fantastic fanzone on the astroturf pitch next to the stadium. There will be something for everyone!
Live music, entertainment, games, football and free food for all, courtesy of sponsors, Petrofac Training Services.
How Much?
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 12s getting in for FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult!
Where to Buy?
Livingston tickets are available from Reception at the Energy Assets Arena, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm or via 01506 417 000.
Alloa Athletic tickets are can be purchased from the Alloa Leisure Bowl, weekdays 6.30am-9.00pm and 9.00am-4.00pm at weekends. Alloa supporters can make a postal application via Alloa Athletic FC, Indodrill Stadium, Clackmannan Road, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1RY before Tuesday 31st March.
How Can I Get Involved?
Once you’ve got your ticket, keep an eye on the chat on Twitter and Facebook!
For exclusive content and all the latest build up ahead of the final follow @Petrofac_Cup
Like the Petrofac Training Cup on Facebook HERE
Get involved in the chat on social media using the hashtag #PetrofacFinal
Visit the Petrofac Training Cup website HERE
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