Livingston boss David Martindale believes new keeper Shamal George will show to be a sound funding by the membership.
The 24-year-old accomplished his transfer from Colchester United on the weekend and was unveiled to the followers previous to Saturday’s League Cup conflict with Kelty Hearts.
The previous Liverpool youth product was named Participant of the 12 months on the League Two membership and the switch payment of £87,500 represents the second largest sum the Lions have paid for a participant within the membership’s historical past.
George, who signed a four-year contract, will likely be handed a baptism of fireplace as he's anticipated to go straight into the beginning line-up for Saturday’s televised Premiership opener towards Rangers.
Martindale mentioned: “There’s going to be a wee little bit of a growth curve and a little bit of development however that’s a part of all of it. He had curiosity from Championship golf equipment down south however I feel they have been sitting by the wayside ready to get him without spending a dime on a pre-contract in January.
“Colchester performed arduous ball if I’m being sincere however I’m due them a large thanks as a result of we bought there ultimately.
“Throughout my time on the membership, not less than, we’ve by no means actually purchased gamers. We’ve paid some compensation charges however we’ve by no means paid a major sum of cash to deliver a participant in.
“That exhibits how extremely I charge him. Do I imagine there’s going to be a little bit of a growth curve? In fact there's. However it’s good to have a no.1 within the constructing and we’ll put our time and power into making him a greater participant.”
He added: “I feel it’s an enormous funding for the membership, however it’s one I feel we’ll get a reasonably respectable return on.
“The 4 12 months contract is a large dedication however while you pay any form of cash at this membership, you'll be able to’t afford to deliver them in for 2 years.
“For those who unfold his wages and the price of the switch payment over these 4 years, it makes it extra inexpensive whereas if it’s a two 12 months deal it’s in all probability an excessive amount of.
“We’ve invested in Shamal and he and his agent have invested in us. Our job now could be to make Shamal a greater footballer and their job is to then attempt to transfer him again into the English market.
“That’s the enterprise mannequin we’re all attempting to create – even take a look at Rangers with the likes of Joe Aribo.
“Bringing boys in from these markets and creating them is a good way to get a return again in your funding and I imagine it's going to show to be a sound funding by this soccer membership.”
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