David Martindale focused on Livingston amid 'nice' St Johnstone links

Livingston manager David Martindale brushed off connection with the vacancy at St Johnstone, insisting that his full focus was on his side’s match against Hearts.

The Perth Saints are searching for a new manager after sacking Steven MacLean on Sunday, with Martindale’s record at Livingston marking him out as a strong candidate for the job.

The 49-year-old admitted it was “nice” to be considered by people but said he had his own team to think about and that was his sole focus.

“It’s nice to have your name linked with other jobs, but I’m not really wanting to sit here and talk about St Johnstone Football Club, if I’m honest,” Martindale said.

“I’ve got a game on Wednesday night coming off the back of two poor results so my focus is on Hearts at Tynecastle, not St Johnstone.”

The manager did make a wider point though, noting that another coach had left his job after only a short time in charge. MacLean was appointed to the St Johnstone job in May after a successful spell as interim coach but a dismal start to this season saw the team at the bottom of the table and winless after nine games.

Martindale feels the game is changing and managers no longer get a lot of time to effect change.

“I’m disappointed and sad,” he said. “It’s horrible because it’s just become part of football, there’s an acceptance that managers are losing their jobs after three to six months, 10 months, 12 months.

“It’s just the evolution of football, and it’s not great. I think continuity builds success, but I don’t know what’s happening at other clubs.

“It’s not my place to talk about other clubs, but from a personal point of view, I’ve always got on well with Stevie and (assistant) Liam Craig. It’s disappointing to see anyone within this environment lose their job.”