FOR HE’S A JOLLY GOOD BELLOW
Buchanan says David’s a great shout for Livi job
LIAM BUCHANAN doesn’t particularly miss the earbashings. But the former Livingston hitman admits that during his 18 years as a professional footballer there’s been few better at getting their message across than David Martindale. Martindale is in with a good shout of landing the Lions job full time following the shock departure of Gary Holt last week. The caretaker might never have been the main man in the dugout but getting his voice heard hasn’t been a problem, as anyone tuning in to Livi highlights while stadia remain empty will testify. Martindale has been assistant to Holt, Kenny Miller, David Hopkin and Mark Burchill as the West Lothian side blazed a trail from League One to a top-five Premiership finish in just four years. Now he is the frontrunner for the top job. And Alloa striker Buchanan – who had two years with Livi before leaving in 2017 – said: “I always felt Davie liked to be a No.2 but maybe this is his time. “I don’ t imagine he’d be fazed by the job. He can definitely make himself heard.
“He can shout that’s for sure – I don’t miss that side of him!
“I had Micky Weir when I was at Cowdenbeath and when Micky got going in the dressing room there were few to match him – but Davie could.
“He is very demanding of his players but also has a side to him that keeps things quite relaxed. There was a good balance there because he liked a laugh and a joke at times.”
Martindale will remain in temporary charge backed by goalkeeping coach Tony Caig when Livi take on Dundee United on Saturday.
And he sat down with chairman Robert Wilson and chief executive John Ward on Monday to discuss the club’s options.
Jamie McAllister, who scored the second goal when Livi won the League Cup in 2004, has emerged as a dark horse along with former boss Hopkin.
Ex- Lions midfielder Liam Fox is also among the bookies’ outsiders after his spell as coach at Hearts and has been brought back in by Martindale to help with training in the past week.
Record Sport understands the Tony Macaroni outfit are in no rush to appoint Holt’s permanent successor.
But Martindale is the firm favourite.
And Buchanan reckons he deserves his chance.
He said: “Sometimes you maybe don’t appreciate what he’s done for Livi until you leave the place.
“He knows the club better than anyone else and has been there from League One right back up to the Premiership under four different managers.
“No matter what manager came in during that time, the club kept being successful and it can’t be any coincidence that Davie was by their side every time.
“I certainly know Hoppy had a good relationship with him and they worked well together. It seemed the same with Holt.
“I was surprised to see Gary Holt leave. He has done so well there that it came as a surprise.
“Whoever takes the job will have to buy into what the club is about and the structure there.”