David Martindale shuns Hibernian links and re-affirms commitment to Livingston

David Martindale admits Shaun Maloney’s sacking is another example of why he would be reluctant to leave Livingston.

Martindale has been mentioned as a possible contender for the vacant Hibernian job, but the Livi boss would not expect an approach nor would he leave the club voluntarily.

Hibs gave Maloney just four months to prove himself after appointing him in the wake of the shock sacking of Jack Ross, and he lost his job with his team tied on 38 points with Livingston in the cinch Premiership.

“I’d be devastated if it happened to myself,” Martindale said. “I think you need two or three windows. Everyone in football knows the January window is the most difficult window and it’s debatable if you can get your squad stronger.

“I’d be devastated and I don’t think it’s a reflection on Shaun. It’s the way football is going.

“Should you accept it? I don’t know if I would accept it. Would I really want to be a manager if that’s how the management industry is going? Probably not if I’m honest. I would probably be looking at a different role within a football club.

“But Hibs is a huge club, everyone is going to jump at the chance.”

Martindale has impressed since stepping up from his role as an assistant, having already been in charge of the club’s recruitment process.

And he is happy to stay there as long as directors John Ward and Robert Wilson want him.

“I’m at Livingston,” he said. “Until John and Robert chap my door and say ‘Davie, your time is up’, I am going to be at Livingston.

“I’m in a kind of unique situation, I have been here eight years.

“Listen, Hibs aren’t coming for Davie Martindale and I am quite happy where I am.

“People have sent me stuff but I have not read anything. I don’t spend time reading about other