David Martindale signs new Livingston deal as chairman hails 'unwavering commitment' to Lions
Livingston have rewarded boss David Martindale for guding the club vback to the Premiership after he penned a two-year contract extension, with the option of a third year.
The Lions stuck with Martindale after the club were relegated from the top flight two years ago, but he secured their immediate return last season via the play-offs and also added the Challenge Cup trophy.
And now new chairman Calvin Ford - the great grandson of motoring giant Henry Ford - has put his faith in the Premiership;'s longest serving boss to drive the club forward until at least summer 2027.
The 51-year-old, who had started out at the club as a volunteer back in 2014, is thrilled to put pen to paper on an extension in what is his sixth season at the helm.
"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," Martindale told the club media.
'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.
'I feel a genuine honour and privilege to be the manager of Livingston FC and my desire to do everything I can for this club has only got stronger as the months have passed.
'I would like to thanks the chairman and the current board for placing their trust in me and my team. I can confidently say we will do everything in our power to try and take Livingston FC to new heights.'
Lions chief Ford hailed Martindale's contribution to the club and is delighted to see him commit to continuing his tenure at Livingston for the foreseeable future.
He 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.
'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.'
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