David Martindale judged fit and proper to manage Livingston

David Martindale’s appointment as Livingston manager has been approved by the Scottish Football Association.

Martindale was judged ‘fit and proper’ at a Hampden hearing which was held because he previously spent time in prison.

The 46-year-old was sentenced to a six-year jail term in 2006 following drug and money-laundering charges.

Since his release, Martindale has worked his way up the footballing ladder and took charge at Livingston after Gary Holt quit earlier this season.

He has since overseen an 11-match unbeaten run, including back-to-back draws with Celtic and taking his side to the League Cup final.

Martindale had won support from politicians and a professor renowned for his work on the Hillsborough disaster.

He said: “I would like to go on record thanking everybody at the SFA, SPFL and more importantly I’d like to thank every single person on social media – the fans, pundits and media for their support.

“A big thank you also to Hannah Bardell MP, Angela Constance MSP and Professor Phil Scraton and I’m delighted that the SFA has given me a chance to progress my career with Livingston Football Club.”