Livingston boss appreciative of boardroom support during tricky spell earlier in season as two top flight managers lose jobs in a week

Livingston boss David Martindale admits he could have been the first managerial casualty of the season if the club's board had been more 'trigger happy'.

The 47-year-old believes continuity is the key to success and reckons boardrooms across the country are increasingly out of touch with the pressure of the dugout.

The Lions were rooted to the foot of the Premiership table after picking up just four points from their opening eight games this season - which he admits could have seen other managers dismissed - but they've recovered to the extent that they are well in the mix for a top-six spot with seven games remaining before the split.

Both Aberdeen and Dundee elected to dismiss their managers this week, with Jack Ross having been shown the door by Hibs earlier in the season.

Martindale said: "Clubs are well within their rights to change their manager when they want but I’m all for consistency. The only thing that doesn’t surprise me is that nothing surprises me. That’s sad I think but it’s true.

“It’s a very difficult job for all managers - at the top and the bottom. The ones at the top are trying to win titles and cups, and get into Europe. At the bottom, it’s about staying in the league. So, the pressure is massive.

“Sometimes I think some people in the boardroom maybe don’t appreciate how tough it is."

He added: "I think James McPake did a decent job. He got them into the Premiership and he will be disappointed he never got the chance to keep them in the league.

“Stephen Glass will be similar at Aberdeen, as Jack Ross was at Hibs. They all did a decent job but find themselves out of work.

“I went through a sticky patch at the start of the season and I’m delighted the board stood behind me. Maybe with a trigger happy