David Martindale hailed as ‘great manager’ after signing new Livingston deal

Livingston owner Calvin Ford described David Martindale as “one of the great managers in Scottish football” after the Lions boss signed a new contract.

Martindale has committed his future to Livi until the summer of 2027 with the option for a further season open to both parties.

The 51-year-old initially joined Livi as a volunteer coach in 2014 and took over as manager in 2020, making him the longest-serving manager in the William Hill Premiership.

Chairman Ford, who purchased a majority stake in the club in May, said: “David Martindale has left an indelible mark on the recent chapter of the history of Livingston FC.

“Despite multiple challenges over the past several years, Davie’s commitment to the club – including promoting back to the Premiership after just a single year in the Championship – have only further cemented his legacy as one of the great managers in Scottish football.”

The American added: “As we move into this next chapter at Livingston, there is only one man properly suited to lead us forward, and that’s Davie.

“His unwavering commitment to the club, his partnership with and mentorship to his players, and his love and tireless work ethic of the game make this an easy decision.

“We are thrilled to have Davie leading us on the pitch as we look to make Livingston a threat in Scotland and beyond.”

Martindale revealed earlier this week that he was considering leaving the club in the summer if he secured promotion, but had been “rejuvenated” by the arrival of Ford, which has allowed him to focus on football.

After signing the deal, Martindale said: “I knew when Calvin and the board made it known that they would like me to remain at Livingston, there was only going to be one outcome.

“During the previous seasons it had been very hard for us all at the club and I will remain forever grateful to Dave Black, John Ward and John McIlvogue for allowing me the opportunity to try and take the club back to the Premiership.

“I did have it in my head that if we could take the club back to the Premiership, it would probably be my last season with Livingston and allow me to leave the club in the best position possible.

“But when Calvin and his team came in, it gave everyone at the club a massive lift and the more we all spoke and worked together, the more my appetite grew to be part of this – so long as they felt that they wanted me remain at Livingston.

“So when Calvin and the board got in touch and intimated that they would like me to stay at the club, it was a very easy decision and a very easy process.”

Meanwhile, Martindale is facing some selection issues in defence when his side host Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup second round on Sunday.

Daniel Finlayson was missing for last weekend’s win over Falkirk and fellow full-back Cammy Kerr is a long-term absentee. Left-back Adam Montgomery and centre-back Danny Wilson both went off with muscle injuries during the game, while midfielder Graham Carey was also forced off.