David Martindale reveals 'blocked' Livingston investment amid US interest and refuses to shirk what relegation means

David Martindale says Livingston are trying to boost investment in the club as US-based parties show an interest.

The Premiership club has twice come out of administration in 2004 and 2009 and two ongoing court cases regarding disputes over who owns shares could impact potential investment. Martindale had to scale back the budget during the summer transfer window and they also didn't cash in on star asset Joel Nouble, who has less than 12 months left on his contract.

He has revealed that some shareholders are blocking new investment, with a hope legal proceedings conclude "as soon as possible". He explained ahead of this weekend's trip to Ross County: "The club is trying to bring new shares into circulation so we can sell them in the open market or to new investors. Current shareholders or purported shareholders are trying to block that and block any new investment coming into the club. That is as much as I know and as much as I think I can say on it.

"There's a couple of court actions going on just now. "I had to lose £200,000 off the budget. We had to find a way to generate a further £200,000 to bring that income into the football club so that closed a £400,000 gap. We think we're there with it.

"We're £200,000 alone on VAR and the Scottish government repayment that got us through Covid. Our overheads just in energy alone have trebled. If we go and finish 12th in the Premiership, the club's in trouble next year - just the same as every other club. We go and finish 11th, we could be in a bit of trouble.

"We're probably the only club in the Premiership that doesn't own their stadium. There's a lot of historical baggage. We punch above our weight on the park and that's huge, huge credit to everybody at the football club.