Martidale: Bokila 'turned down Eredivisie stay' for Livingston move

Livingston manager David Martindale revealed the passion of Scottish football had tempted his latest signing to reject more lucrative offers in the Eredivisie.

Livi this week completed the signing of DR Congo international Jeremy Bokila ahead of Saturday’s William Hill Premiership opener at Kilmarnock.

The 36-year-old striker spent last season playing in the Dutch top flight with Willem II.

Having previously turned out in Belgium, Romania, Turkey, Russia, China and the United States, Bokila was keen to try his hand in Scotland.

Martindale said: “Jeremy had offers to stay in the top tier of Holland, but he wanted a new challenge.

“He’s 36 years old, he’s played the top tier over there, he’s played top tier a few countries.

“He was aware of Scottish football and the passion surrounding Scottish football.

“So it definitely wasn’t a financial decision for Jeremy because he would have had better offers, but it was just that new experience for him coming to the latter stages of his career.

“He wants to go and try something different and the passion and desire of Scottish football attracted him to Scotland.

“I just think the passion within Scottish football is phenomenal.

“We’ve got lower crowds but the atmosphere is still really, really vibrant.

“I’ve been to bigger stadiums over the years in different countries. There’s maybe 20-25,000 but it’s nowhere near the atmosphere that 5,000 Scottish football fans can make.

“I think per capita we’re one of the best supported leagues in Europe, maybe the world. But that just shows you the passion is there.”