Livingston boss vows to fix 'soft' side during summer transfer window

David Martindale has vowed to fix his ‘soft’ Livingston over the summer.

A late season collapse saw the Lions pick up just three wins from their final 14 games and slump to from fourth to eighth in the Premiership table.

Their campaign was brought to an end with a lacklustre 2-0 away loss to St Johnstone on Sunday in a display that typified their recent performances - toothless in attack and woeful defensively.

And Martindale, who will be entering his 10th season at the club and third as manager, insisted changes will need to be made.

Captain Nicky Devlin as well as defender Jack Fitzwater and midfielder Stephane Omeonga are the headline names set to depart at the end of their contract but the gaffer says others have been told their future lies elsewhere.

He commented: “I’m not going to sugarcoat it, our away form has been horrible. I think the group has shown that we are soft and we’re conceding sloppy goals away from home and I need to change that.

“Our run of form since the turn of the year has been extremely poor at best and our goals against column doesn’t make good reading. It is something I am not happy with and I have to look at bringing players in the summer, which I am trying to do.”

He added: “There are a few players leaving but the budget will still need to be cut and I am probably looking at needing four or five players that I feel can come in and player with me every week.

“Three or four probably need to move on. They have been told who they are and that their game time is going to be limited next season.

“They probably won’t be in training with the group and it is the best for them and the group if they move on.”

Courier Sport understands midfielder Scott Bitsindou and attackers Kurtis Guthrie and Esmael