Livingston confirm David Martindale to stay with Lions as gaffer has 'earned right to lead Premiership return bid'

Livingston have confirmed manager David Martindale will remain in charge of the club next season, despite overseeing the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

The Lions finished rock-bottom of the top flight this term and Martindale had stated his desire to take the team straight back up in the aftermath of a 4-1 defeat to Motherwell which sealed their fate.

And now, in a joint statement from Livingston chairman John Ward, chief executive Dave Black and chief commercial officer John McIlvogue the club has announced Martindale will lead their charge for promotion next season, saying Martindale deserves the opportunity for an overall impressive record during his near decade-long stint at the club.

The board admit the decision won't go down well with everyone but they feel it is in the best interests of the club and urged all supporters to back the gaffer.

The statement read: "We can today confirm that men’s first-team manager David Martindale will continue at the helm for our 2024/25 Championship campaign.

"There is no getting away from the fact that this season has been disappointing. Every single member of staff inside the building is hurting with how the year transpired and we know full well that the same disappointment and upset is shared amongst our supporters.

"However, we now have an opportunity to regroup, both on the park and in the stands, but we can only do with everyone pulling in the same direction.

"David has been involved with the coaching set-up here for almost ten years now. His involvement in the dugout has seen us lift a League One title, win the Premiership play-offs, two top-6 finishes, two seasons just missing out on the top 6 on the final game before the split, a national cup final