Livingston have announced the signing of right-back Miles Welch-Hayes - but gaffer David Martindale says he’s still looking for an upgrade at the position.
The 26-year-old spent last season split between English League Two outfit Harrogate Town and a loan spell with fifth tier side Altrincham.
He arrives in West Lothian for a first spell in Scottish football following a nomadic career in the lower leagues down south, which included a two-year stint at Colchester United alongside current Livi no.1 Shamal George.
Welch-Hayes becomes the Lions’ third summer arrival following centre-back Michael Devlin and midfielder Mo Sangare with the full-back penning a three-year deal.
And while Martindale hailed his new arrival, he admitted he’s still looking for another right-back to replace skipper Nicky Devlin while he’s also looking for additions further up the park.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: “Miles is going to come in and provide competition in the right-back area. He’s coming from non-league so I do think there’s going to be an adaptation period with Miles.
“But he’s a good human being, he’s got a very good personality and he’s someone I’d like to coach. He’s enthusiastic and a great athlete. He’ll improve the squad but he’ll need to fight his way into the team.”
He added: “We lost three big players last season in Nicky Devlin, Jack Fitzwater and Stephane Omeonga and I feel that I’ve been able to bring in good replacements for two of those in Mick and Mo.
“If Mick didn’t have those couple of years with bad injuries there’s every chance he’s still getting into Scotland squads and he’s certainly not at Livingston. I’ve already seen that quality he’s got in the first few days of training. He’s been brilliant.
“Miles knows there’s going to be competition in that area of the park and we’ve still got Jamie Brandon but I’ve got my eye on a right-back. I’m looking to do some business in the right-back area and the forward areas but I need to try and move some players on - that’s football.
“I spoke to the guys who we want to move on four weeks before the end of last season and told them they’d not be getting any game time and it would be better for their own careers if they move on.
“Hopefully there’s some progress on that front in the coming weeks but it does make your recruitment that wee bit harder until they move on.”
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