Robertson determined to re-assert his manager credentials

HAD John Robertson remained as Hearts manager he could now be trying to steer the club into the Champions League. Instead, he is plotting ways of keeping Livingston in the SPL - and he couldn't be happier.

The Jambos' all-time record goalscorer was today settling into his first full day as boss of bottom-of-the-table Livingston after being appointed to succeed Paul Lambert who resigned on Saturday.

It's just nine months since the Tynecastle fans' favourite left Gorgie as the first casualty of the Vladimir Romanov revolution. In that time Robbo has managed to squeeze in an equally traumatic four-month spell in charge of First Division side Ross County, his involvement at the Dingwall club ending when he resigned in October in protest at being told he would have to dramatically slash his playing staff.

However, it is what unfolded during his time at Hearts, a club he served with distinction during almost 18 years as a player when he scored more than 300 goals, that springs immediately to mind when thinking of Robertson's managerial career.

As Romanov swept into Tynecastle Robertson was pushed out despite helping the club to two domestic semi-finals, a victory away to Basel in the Uefa Cup and the club's first win against Celtic at Parkhead for five years.

It is then no surprise that Roberston could afford to crack a joke as he was unveiled as Livingston boss.

"I read the contract, then I read it again and I'm pretty sure there is no Lithuanian in it so hopefully things will work out a wee bit better at Livingston than they did at Hearts," he quipped.

"There's no review period either so I'm happy! I feel honoured and privileged to have been given the opportunity to manage Livingston and I hope I can repay them by keeping them in the SPL.

"Come to think of it, if it were to mean keeping Livingston in the Premier League I'll even let the chairman pick the team!"

Robertson has been reluctant to talk about his time at Hearts since leaving although he admitted that his time at the club had taken its toll, even leading

him to question his own abilities as a manager.

"I probably didn't realise at the time but I think the way things turned out at Hearts took a lot out of me and probably dented my confidence," he conceded.

"I was looking at myself and questioning myself but that's all in the past now. I ended up at Ross County and things started off really well there until all the financial things blew up and I knew I had to leave.

"So it's been a hard year, there's no doubt about that. The break I had after leaving Ross County probably came at just the right time as it allowed me a wee breather and to get my head together. During my time out I've seen a lot of games. I've been given this chance and I want to make the most of it.

"Being out of a job for a while has refreshed me. I'm ready to come back and hopefully make an impact. I still have confidence in my own ability as a manager."

Ironically, Robbo's appointment sees him go full circle as it was the West Lothian club who gave him his first foothold on the coaching ladder back in season 1999/2000.

"I've had some great times at this club with Jim Leishman and Davie Hay but it is what happens from now on that is important to me," said the former Scotland internationalist. "You can be sympathetic and have a wee soft spot for a club but that's not to say it will do you any good. After all, I had a soft spot for Hearts and look how that turned out.

"It was unfortunate how things turned out there but that's football. I've no regrets about going to Hearts as it was a fabulous time and I hope they continue to challenge for the title. Hearts are much bigger than John Robertson and the main thing is that they are successful.

"What happened at Hearts has helped give me experience and I now have my eyes wide open all the time."

Robbo will take charge of the Lions for the first time away to Kilmarnock this Saturday in a game that will see him go head-to-head with Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown - the men who helped him to a Scottish Cup winners' medal during his final season as a player at Hearts. Then, in another twist of fate, Robertson's first home match will be when Hearts visit Almondvale on Sunday, March 5 for a game that will be beamed live across the country.

That clash could be just as important to Hearts as it is to the Lions given their recent form although Robertson is refusing to look too far ahead. "Kilmarnock is all I'm worried about at the moment.

What's going on at Hearts is nothing to do with me. The moment I walked out the door it stopped being anything to do with me. From now on all my efforts and thoughts will be on keeping Livingston in the SPL."

Taken from the Scotsman