David Martindale has shown his class in the dugout since replacing Gary Holt as Livingston manager. The long-term No.2 is preparing his side for a game against Celtic tonight and will be hoping to give Neil Lennon’s side a tough match in the second fixture between the pair at The Tony Macaroni Stadium.
Martindale has shown his class as he dedicates his Manager of The Month award to a local mental health charity in order to raise much needed funds.
🆕| Manager David Martindale has decided to donate his Manager of the Month award for December to be raffled in aid of local mental health charity, @KickMentalH.
Raffle tickets are available for £5 each.
🔗 Full details on how to get involved here – https://t.co/OAsSgtAm6t pic.twitter.com/LxwdcbsMWQ
— Livingston FC (@LiviFCOfficial) January 20, 2021
It is a remarkable gesture from Martindale, who has overseen six wins in seven games with that draw coming against Celtic on Saturday. It is a tough fixture for Celtic, who have only won two of their last seven games against Livingston having won 20 in a row previously and having failed to win at The Tony Macaroni since Livi were promoted in 2018.
Picturesque setting for tonight's game pic.twitter.com/TqufxRNBiI
— Highland__Paddy (@Highland__paddy) January 20, 2021
Martindale, however, is still having to go in front of the SFA to prove that he is a ‘fit and proper’ person to manage a Scottish football team. Martindale served a four year sentence in prison after pleading guilty to criminal charges.
Although, Martindale epitomises rehabilitation and reform, the purpose of custodial sentences. Martindale completed his university education, got into football and has done incredibly well with Livingston. He is an intelligent football manager that has proven his worth to Livi both on the field of play and in terms of recruitment.
One of Martindale’s signings at Livi was Declan Gallagher, the Motherwell defender and Scotland Internationalist who has also served jail time. Albeit it was decided that he had rehabilitated.
The SFA should adhere to its campaign Football Unites and use Martindale’s example as a shining light for offenders to reform and rehabilitate. Instead of being made to wait and try and prove to himself to the footballing authorities, Martindale should be welcomed with his past criminal activity recognised but superseded by the work that he has done with Livingston.
With all that said, I hope Martindale is on the losing side tonight.
