I’LL TAKE THE JOB OR TAKE A HIKE
David’s ready to step up
DAVID MARTINDALE has told Livingston he wants to become their next boss.
The assistant manager held talks with chairman Robert Wilson and chief executive John Ward earlier this week and informed them of his desire to take over after Gary Holt’s surprise exit.
He is convinced he could make the step up from being right-hand man to Holt, Kenny Miller, David Hopkin and Mark Burchill.
But Martindale, who is also head of football operations, insists the club must come first in the hunt for the next man – even if that means he follows Holt out the door.
He said: “I spoke to Robert and John on Monday and I’ve put my hat in the ring. If they think it’s the road we want to go down I’d be delighted and honoured to do it.
“But I’m also of the opinion if the club want to go down the route we’ve gone down previously I’m happy to do that also. If the club want to kick me out then I’ll leave.
“I want to put the club first. You have to put the club’s interests before your own.
“Would I like the job? I think I would. There’s no use beating about the bush. But I wouldn’t want that to hamper someone coming in if the club want to go down a different route. I’m more than comfortable for the club to make that decision.
“It’s fairly relaxed. We said we’d meet on a weekly basis. They’re quite happy with the process and how the football department is run and we’ll take it from there.
“Hopefully whatever happens it’s organic and not forced. We’re not wanting a hasty decision. Someone coming in won’t change what we’re doing in the football department so we’re all relaxed.”
Martindale, who led the team to a 4-0 win over Ayr last weekend, joined Livi as a coach in June 2014 after moving from Broxburn.
And with skipper Marvin Bartley claiming he has the overwhelming backing of the Lions squad, the 46-year-old is confident in his ability to move out of the shadows.
Martindale added: “I didn’t come into Livingston to be the manager one day. But I didn’t come in to be the assistant or head of football operations.
“They have developed and it has happened organically.
“I was more than happy to come in and pick the cones up and assist someone. But my role has progressively got bigger. Everyone knows it’s not like a normal assistant role. I’ve always worked very closely with the manager.
“Could I do that job myself? I think I’m more than capable.
“There’s a fantastic infrastructure at the club now. I’ve got a great bunch of staff around me. Things are a lot better, which would make any transition that wee bit easier.”