Martindale still in two minds after first year on job

DAVIE MARTINDALE is steadfast in his assertion that he loves his job, although the Livingston manager is not sure whether he has actually enjoyed his first 12 months in management.

Martindale is hoping to mark a year as the main man in the dugout by overseeing a victory over Rangers in tomorrow’s televised showdown at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The 47-year-old stepped up from his No.2 role to replace

Gary Holt last November and has probably exceeded external expectations.

Reaching the League Cup final and claiming a sixth place spot last season – despite having the smallest budget in the Premiership – are highlights.

However, Martindale admits the pressure he puts on himself to churn out results means he cannot allow himself to relax and reflect on the job he is doing.

“Have I enjoyed my first year? I don’t know if I can say

I’ve enjoyed it,” said Martindale. “I think you maybe enjoy it when you are no longer here and you maybe reflect on your time at a football club.

“You enjoy the victories for 15 minutes.

“I go back to us winning the Premiership play-off. I can remember me and Hoppy (David Hopkin) giving each other high fives and cuddling, then you immediately think, ‘we’re in the Premiership, who are we going to sign?

“We’re going to play against

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic’. Then I went on a cruise and I could not get WIFI, Hoppy had left, and you’re jumping into ports and there is like 40 messages.

“Do I enjoy my job, I think I do. Would you rather be out building houses or digging holes?

“I’ve got the opportunity to do a job that I love and it’s my passion.

“Yes you enjoy that but I think there is a lot of external pressure.”