Livingston boss 'surprised' key duo remain at club as they jet off for summer camp

Livingston boss David Martindale admits he’s ‘surprised’ he’s been able to keep hold of Max Stryjek and Jack Fitzwater but is happy both remain at the club.

The duo were star performers for the Lions as they finished seventh in the Premiership last season and both attracted plenty of plaudits.

Martindale even admitted the signing of Russian keeper Ivan Konovalov in January was because he expected Stryjek to be sold this summer – while defender Fitzwater had been linked with Burnley, Newcastle United and Watford during the winter transfer window last term.

Speaking to the Courier, the Lions gaffer says there’s been no formal offer for either player yet and confessed he’s been a little surprised by the market during the close season.

He said: “There’s been nothing concrete on either player as of right now. There’s been a few agents making calls and asking questions but nothing in terms of a formal offer that’s been put to the club.

“I’m really surprised by that if I’m being honest but also happy that they are still at the club because they’re both very good players who improve the squad at Livingston.

“But if you look around at the Scottish market, bar Calvin Ramsay going from Aberdeen to Liverpool, there’s not really been much happening. I think the English market is going to kick on at some point and that’s maybe when you’ll see a bit more activity.

“Even signings, there’s not been many clubs at this point who have made loads of signings. Most have been a couple here and there. It’s been quite a quiet summer so far I’d say but that might change the closer we get to the season and the deadline.”

Martindale also confirmed the Lions are close to agreeing a deal with a winger – understood to be former Oldham Athletic man