Slouching Tiger remains golf’s biggest draw Martindale38 backed by Hillsborough campaigner

SFA urged to rule Livingston manager is fit to continue

RESPECTED Hillsborough campaigner and criminologist Phil Scraton has urged the Scottish Football Association to back Livingston’s appointment of David Martindale as manager.

Martindale faces a hearing on Tuesday to determine whether he passes the SFA’s criteria for fit and proper club officials.

The 46-year-old continued a sensational start to life in management on Sunday when he led Livi into the Betfred Cup final thanks to a 1-0 victory over St Mirren.

However, Martindale faces questions over his criminal past having been sentenced to sixand-a-half years in jail in 2006 for drugs and money-laundering charges.

Scraton, whose research and campaigning on the Hillsborough disaster was crucial in securing a verdict of unlawful killing of the 96 victims, said he wrote to the SFA “unsolicited” after watching an interview with Martindale on BBC’s Football Focus on Saturday.

In the letter to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, which has been published by Livingston, Scraton wrote: “Granted remission, it is clear in David Martindale’s case that the punitive element of his sentence had been realised.

“He admitted his guilt and in prison he took the opportunity to gain a university degree. His release laid the foundation for continuing rehabilitation which clearly has been successful.

“Almost a decade on, his progress at Livingston FC and his appointment as the club’s interim manager demonstrates the board’s confidence in his employment as a ‘fit and proper person’.

“I expect that Livingston’s confidence is based not only on the success of the club under his management, but also on how he has adjusted to working with players, all involved with the club and the media. His media statements have been contrite and show humility in the face of exceptional public scrutiny.

“I believe that within its grasp the Scottish FA has the opportunity to acknowledge David Martindale’s remarkable personal and professional transition.”