MY MATE MARVIN SOLD ME ON MOVE
Ambrose’s delight at signing Livi deal
Livingston new boy Efe Ambrose admits standin skipper Marvin Bartley convinced him to make the move to West Lothian.
The former Celtic and Hibs star, who has won four Scottish titles and an African Cup of Nations gold medal during an illustrious career, penned a deal with the Lions until the end of next season.
And the Nigerian international says the fact his former Hibees team-mate is loving life at Livi so much sold him on the move.
He said: “I’ve been back home training but Marv knew me and spoke about me coming to Livingston. Everyone at this club has shown trust in me to be here, to come and help this club.
“I spoke to Marv, the gaffer and Davie (Martindale, assistant boss) and there was a chance for me to come in December, which I missed out on, but I never gave up and everyone at Livingston knew I was always training and working hard back home.
“I’m always fit and ready. That’s the key and here I am.”
He added: “I have played with him (Marv) and his word means a lot. If Marv is enjoying being at a club, then I know there is something special.
“I know the reputation of this club: tough, hard to beat. I remember this at Hibs.
“The team is strong, they fight together and the spirit in the club is good. I believe this club is going to help me and I believe I am going to help the club.”
Ambrose hasn’t played since appearing for Hibs in the Edinburgh derby in December 2018 after a move to English Championship side Derby County, where he failed to make a single appearance.
Despite that, he doesn’t regret the move and insists he’s fit and ready to go for Livingston — and could even be set to make his debut at Easter Road on Saturday.
He commented: “I have missed playing football. Do I regret the move to Derby? No, you cannot regret things in football or life. The most important thing was what I learned from Derby. I met
New Livingston business development officer Dave Black says he’s determined to get the next generation of fans hooked on the club – just like he was as a youngster.
The 30-year-old has joined the club full- time having previously helped out in voluntary roles for several seasons and is determined to get the local community back through the gates.
He said: “I’d always envisaged that if I was working here I’d be in a tracksuit and training but at 30, I’ve come to the realisation that won’t be happening.
“I’m absolutely delighted to come into the club.
“Livingston moved to the town when I was five years old and they’ve been my only team.
“I’ve been supporting them since day one and became involved with the club in a number of different avenues but this is an exciting opportunity for me.
“When the chat happened, I felt that it was right. Not actually just for me, I’m fortunate that I was offered the role but regardless, I do think that the role itself is another way that the club can kick on and continue to grow.
“On the park, we’re doing really well and we’re taking steps forward off the park with things like revamping the reception area and media room. I think there’s an educated risk involved in adding another member of staff but hopefully this can lead to more bums on seats because that’s ultimately what we need.
“There’s no easy answer as to how to do that – if there was every stadium in the country would be sold out.
“But I think this now allows us the chance to focus on that side of things and try to get the stadium much busier because it’s what the players deserve and what the club needs.”
Livingston CEO John Ward hailed the appointment and said it’s another positive move by the club as they continue to grow both on and off the field.
He added: “It’s a big step forward for the club. We’ve actually approached Dave a couple of times over the years because we identified that he was someone we would like to have on board.
“The club used to be very proactive in terms of making its presence known in the community. Times have changed and you can’t just rock up at a school with a couple of players.
“We have had one fan, Kieran Tenant, who’s been doing some stuff and we’ve got a couple of sponsors who provided season books for kids.
“The logical thing with the work Dave has been doing in the background with publicity and social media stuff is that we start to really engage with the community and get kids coming in.
“It will also raise the professionalism of the place.
“Things have been vastly improved since we got into the Premiership on that front and the great thing is the club are moving forward but still living within our means.
“Getting Dave on board is a real benefit and it’s going to enhance how the club are perceived in the community. We’ll get our heads together to think about what is going to appeal to folk.
“The real work is around community engagement.
“I used to come to games with my sons because they were doing stuff through local schools or youth football teams. We always get asked why we don’t do more but we need to do it professionally and properly and Dave will do that.
“He’s got bri l l i a n t experience in terms of community engagement and that can only be a good thing.”