Martindale hints more Livi departures expected after six leave Lions

Captain Nicky Devlin leads the list of players leaving the West Lothian side after the expiry of their contracts.

Livingston confirm exits for six players as manager David Martindale hints more could depart — Martindale said there could be further movement out the door in West Lothian. SNS Group

PA Media

29th May 2023

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Livingston F.C.

David Martindale has hinted that some additional players could leave Livingston this summer after the club confirmed the names of six stars definitely on the way out.

The Lions boss had already revealed in recent weeks that captain Nicky Devlin – who has agreed to join Aberdeen – would depart under freedom of contract along with fellow first-team mainstays Jack Fitzwater and Stephane Omeonga.

And the West Lothian club announced on Monday, a day after their final cinch Premiership match against St Johnstone, that Jackson Longridge, Jaze Kabia and goalkeeper Brian Schwake – all of whom have been out on loan over the past season – will also move on.

There could yet be more players heading for the exit door, though, with Martindale trying to trim his squad to free up space for new recruits.

“It goes without saying that I offer my thanks and very best wishes to those players moving on this Summer,” the manager told the Lion website.

“I’ve spoken to other players still under contract with the club and explained that some won’t be in my plans next season and that they are free to speak with other clubs if the opportunity arises.”

Livingston had high hopes of finishing in the top six of the cinch Premiership after a promising first half of their campaign but they ended up eighth after losing nine and winning only three of their last 14 league games.