Davie fully deserves this chance at Livvy... he should be hailed for turning his life around
Martindale can be shining light for others, says Accies boss Rice
HAMILTON head coach Brian Rice firmly believes David Martindale should be hailed as a shining light for his journey from a criminal past to becoming the new Livingston manager.
Martindale has been appointed as Gary Holt’s successor by the West Lothian outfit, although that has to be ratified by the SFA at a hearing next month.
The 46-year-old was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in 2006 after pleading guilty to drug dealing and money-laundering charges.
Rice has praised Livingston for giving him the opportunity to become their manager, having joined their coaching staff in 2014, and insist she deserves this chance, given the path he has taken since his guilty plea.
And he believes Martindale, who has appointed former Lions captain Liam Fox as his No 2, should be lauded as a success for transforming his life.
Rice said: ‘I’ve known David for a while and it’s fantastic he’s been given this opportunity. I’ve read a lot of press and media stuff about him and a lot of it I knew.
‘It’s fantastic he’s been given this chance. Davie has spoken about his past but it is that, it is the past. He paid his price for it.
‘He’s a good man, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he gives everything to football, so I’m absolutely delighted for him.
‘Show me someone who has not made mistakes. I’ve made more mistakes than most that I know and you’re very fortunate to have people who stand by you and look after you — and my club really looked after me.
‘I’m sure Livingston have done the same with Davie. People can turn their life around and instead of condemning people like that, we should be patting them on the back because they are examples.
‘I’m not talking about myself, I’m talking about someone like Davie. It was serious stuff he was involved in but he should be applauded for not hiding, for making something of his life and being a success.
‘Davie is a success story. There is light at the end of the tunnel and Davie has proven that and I’m absolutely delighted for him.’
Meanwhile, Rice confirmed Hamilton received a positive Covid result from their latest round of testing ahead of their Premiership encounter with Livvy this evening, with the unnamed player now self-isolating.
Rice added: ‘We’ve had another positive Covid result. It’s part and parcel of your daily routine now, once we get tested we’re waiting for the results to come through to see if the players are available or not.
‘Unfortunately, on Monday night
I had a message to tell me we had a positive test. It’s frustrating for me and for the players. But thankfully no one else needs to self-isolate. We just live day to day with this thing now but I’m just pleased it will be only the one player missing.’
Rice will make changes to the side that defeated Ross County 2-0 at the weekend, saying: ‘We’ve got one or two knocks and there will be more than one or two changes in the team. At this time of year with the hectic schedule, we understand that will happen.’
Livingston midfielder Jason Holt was delighted to see further stability at the Tony Macaroni after his own contract extension was followed by the permanent appointment of Martindale.
The former Hearts and Rangers midfielder, who extended his deal until the summer of 2023 last week, said: ‘You have seen since he took over there has been a reaction. The results and training have been positive.
‘The messages he has tried to get across to the squad, we have taken on board. So it’s good news all round.
‘He has tried to put his own stamp on training and the guys have taken it on board.
‘He motivates the payers really well, gets his messages across clearly. Once he sets the message to the players, it’s then about us taking it on board and we have done that. We were waiting to see what would happen and everyone was pretty relaxed about it but the announcement is good news for the club.’
Holt had no hesitation in extending his stay following his summer move from Ibrox, having spent the previous two seasons on loan with Fleetwood and St Johnstone.
The 27-year-old said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed my time so far. Obviously at the beginning of the season the team as a whole wasn’t really good enough.
‘We have picked up in the last few weeks but personally I have really enjoyed my time and was really happy to extend it.’
The two announcements have continued the feelgood factor within the club since the Lions reached the Betfred Cup semis with victory over Ross County last week.
‘Getting to the semi-final is a great achievement but we want to go all the way,’ Holt said.
‘But there are games before that so we want to keep building momentum and continuing the positive results then hopefully go into the semi in good form.’