Martindale lauds SFA for ‘powerful message’

DAVID MARTINDALE has thanked the Scottish FA for sending ‘a powerful message’ by deeming the Livingston manager a fit and proper person to continue in his role.

Martindale has been candid regarding his criminal past since replacing Gary Holt on an interim basis in November, having been jailed for sixand-a-half years in 2006 after pleading guilty to drug dealing and money laundering charges.

A hearing was conducted over Zoom yesterday morning to decide whether his prior convictions should preclude him from being added to Livi’s ‘Official Return’ of staff which must be completed each season.

The 46-year-old approached D-Day with the support of politicians, academics and fellow managers behind him and the panel took less than two hours to decide in his favour, prompting an emotional Martindale to thank those who have backed him.

“The Scottish FA sent a powerful message that it is open to all members of society and all walks of life,” said Martindale. “The support has been humbling.

“The amount of people who have offered their support has been incredible; people starting petitions, Hannah Bardell [SNP MP for Livingston], Angela Constance [the Minister for Drugs Policy], Phil Scraton [academic and member of the Hillsborough Independent Panel].

“People like that put their head above the parapet when – let’s be honest – they don’t need to. The could have liked a tweet on social media, but they’ve gone above and beyond that.

“And football fans from all clubs in Britain have shown their support and it’s been unbelievable.”

Should the verdict have gone against Martindale, it would