Big money offers not a lure for Martindale
Livi boss says he knows what’s important in life
David Martindale’s life changed when he started chasing money.
He won’t make that mistake again and that’s why, despite acknowledging he won’t be at the club forever, he admits that it would take a massive job for him to walk away from Livingston.
The 48-year-old served a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years from 2006 for his role in organised crime, which included supplying cocaine and money laundering.
So he has an understanding of what the truly important things are in life – like taking his daughter to school every day.
It’s why he has turned down opportunities elsewhere and why he’s not going to jump at a big-money offer from another club.
He’s done a remarkable job at the Tony Macaroni Arena – being a constant prescence in their rise from League One to challenging for European football.
He’s earned the right to have, essentially, free reign of the footballing side of the business having previously been head of football operations and assistant before stepping into the main role in 2020.
Speaking candidly about his future – and his past – Martindale said: “I had a few options in Scotland and in England over the years but where do I go in Scotland that is a better club than Livingston?
“I could go and earn more money, absolutely, but I am not sure it is a better club. It needs to be a big club if I go down south or somewhere else up here.
“I could go to a club in England but would I be able to put my wee one to bed every night? I take her to school any day I want and I can pick her up every day.
“I get to have dinner with my family and with someone who has been in my position previously, you put things into perspective in terms of what is important in life.
“Money is important but family is more important. I have put my family first and I will continue to do that.
“I’ve made bad decisions in my life chasing money and it is something I will never do again.”
He added: “When the day comes when I leave Livingston, whether it’s two weeks, two months, two years or 10 years, it won’t be based on finances.
“It will be based on the structure of the club. I have that luxury in terms of I have years ahead of me, hopefully, as a manager.
“Players don’t have that luxury, they won’t earn big money in their 40s.
“As a manager I’m not thinking ‘I have four years left.’ I have time on my side and players don’t.”