Livingston confirm the appointment of their new manager following the departure of Gary Holt who resigned back in November.
The Scottish Premiership club confirm the permanent appointment of David Martindale as first-team manager and it’s gone down well on social media.
Gary Holt left “with great regret” as Livingston head coach with the club 10th in the Scottish Premiership at the time, having taken only a point from their past five games before his departure, and Holt admitted he was considering his future following a loss to St Mirren.
🆕| Livingston FC is thrilled to announce the permanent appointment of David Martindale as first-team manager.
🗣 “I will strive every day to make this club a club you can all be proud of – both on and off the park.”
🔗 Read the full story here – https://t.co/YqFGWeTDAP pic.twitter.com/B0X8xRDzu5
— Livingston FC (@LiviFCOfficial) December 21, 2020
CLUB STATEMENT
Livingston FC is thrilled to announce the permanent appointment of David Martindale as manager until the end of the season.
Having stepped in as interim boss after the resignation of Gary Holt last month, the Lions have gone on to record four wins from four under David’s guidance and chief executive John Ward is delighted that he has taken the job on a permanent basis.
Ward said: “I am delighted for both the Club and David that he has accepted the role of Manager. I am on record saying that I wanted him to take the job the last time we recruited. I think we have seen over the last four games just how the players have responded to his leadership and management style.
“Livingston FC has always believed in the principles of constructive and effective rehabilitation, and we welcome the Scottish FA’s commitment last week to equality, fairness, justice, inclusion and the removal of barriers in the game. This allows David and others to participate in football at all levels and ensure that no individual is discriminated against. We join with the SFA in our dedication and commitment to inclusive football for all under-represented groups in our communities.”
The new boss was quick to praise not only the board, but the supporters, players and his coaching team following the appointment.

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Martindale said: “I’m both absolutely delighted and honoured to have been offered and accept the post of first-team manager until the end of the season. I want to go on record thanking the players and the back room staff at the club as without them, I don’t think I would be writing these words. A massive thanks to both Robert (Wilson) and John (Ward) for offering me this opportunity and a huge thank you to not only those mentioned above but to all the non-footballing staff at the club who have been very supportive too.
“I can honestly say I owe a huge gratitude to Livingston FC, the fans, the players, and all the directors over the years as they have given me the opportunity to work in professional football and allowed me the chance to progress my own career while changing mine and my family’s life. Without having such open-minded people throughout my time at Livingston, there is no doubt I wouldn’t be in this position today.
“I spent a large part of my life growing up in Livingston and I can honestly say I will do everything in my power to continue to push, pull and cajole Livingston FC to keep on punching above our weight. I owe the fans of this club a massive thank you as they have been magnificent in my time here already and I won’t forget that. I will strive every day to make this club a club you can all be proud of – both on and off the park.
“I really look forward to the day that we can welcome you all back to the Tony Macaroni Arena!”
Club chairman, Robert Wilson said: “The level of work that David has put in since arriving at the club in 2014 has been phenomenal and he thoroughly deserves this appointment. There has been nobody at this football club who has worked harder than he has over the past six years and the club has went from strength to strength since his arrival.
“I am delighted that David has accepted the offer to become first team manager until the end of the season and I hope he has nothing but success in the role.”
– STATEMENT ENDS –
SEE MORE: Ross County quickly appoint a new manager after Saturday sacking
Fans reacted after seeing that Livingston confirm the appointment of their new manager…
@1iainhall: That sound you can hear is the entire Livi support breathing a sigh of relief after betting the Christmas funds on Davie getting it.
@MailSenni: Can’t wait for Allan Preston to come out and say, “aye but its actually been Gary Maley pulling the strings the whole time Davies been there.” Delighted with this, bring on our first top flight league title next season
@lhamilton1995: No doubt fans of other teams will sneer at this because of his past, but nobody has done more for Livi, not just on the park but in the background and helping to make the club an important part of the community again, something sorely missing for years. He’s got my backing 100%.
@EuanRankine: Absolutely delighted with this news! Davie has been a massive part of why the club is where it is today and deserves the opportunity he’s been given. Congratulations @Daviemar13
@LiviFCStats: Was almost always going to be a given anyway, but this is some great news for the club. Performances have been good in the last few games and this will allow us to have some continuity going into the second half of the season. Congratulations @Daviemar13!
@LiviGS: He deserves his chance. Well done to David and best of luck in the new role
@mestuartbarrie: This is good news for me, he’s worked tirelessly for the club and his impact is there for all to see. Obviously choice but the board have taken their time, looked around and found they had the best man in house. Good luck Davie and here’s to you keeping it all going.
@livilioness: Well done Davie, well deserved . Xmas has come early . Delighted for you and the club
— Andrew MacPherson (@andrew_macp_) December 21, 2020
Happy happy days.
Big congrats Davie, fantastic appointment. With Davie at the realm I feel very positive about our future…and did I mention we have a semi final on the horizon 😊🧡🦁— Rich Walker (@RichWalkerIF) December 21, 2020
Best of luck Davie 💛🖤🦁
— Julie Mackenzie 🌈 #bekind (@Mackenzie_Julie) December 21, 2020
Superb news! Delighted with this!
— 🏴 Stuart Semple 🇪🇺 (@StuartSemple85) December 21, 2020
— Garry Grant (@gazzagg) December 21, 2020
Widely held to be the brains behind the Lions phenomenal form over the past few seasons so be interesting to see how this goes.
Has certainly done well since Holt left and this is just reward for that run. https://t.co/uCLxvxb4kk
— Pie and Bovril 🏴 (@pieandbov) December 21, 2020

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