When we lose it won't be the manager taking the stick, it'll be the club. So the executive committee, the head coach and our recruitment department, we're all playing a part in the product on the park

Martindale says Livi are geared up for football's new age

- BY FRASER WILSON

DAVID MARTINDALE looks down into Livingston's arena from his lofty new vantage point and shakes his head.

The 51-year-old's switch from manager to sporting director 16 weeks ago combined the figurative and literal meaning of the term "moved upstairs" to the top floor of the Stadium House office block.

He's back on the tools as well with the renovation of the impressive fourth-floor headquarters for the club's new executive football committee, of which he's a leading part, almost complete.

They are overlooking the pitch which was his domain for over five years before his shock move on February 1.

It's 'situation vacant' in that home technical area again following Marvin Bartley's sudden departure three weeks ago.

So the suggestion, following the Lions' relegation, that Martindale might be primed to resume his old role seems obvious for some.

But the man who has just come to the end of his 13th year associated with the club takes no time to dismiss the question.

"No, not for Livingston, no," he tells MailSport. "I would help out on a temporary basis if we got left in limbo. I would do anything for Livingston.

"But in no way, shape or form will I be the man in the dugout next season."

Martindale WILL have a central role in deciding who is, though.

The club is shifting into a new era under the stewardship of chairman and majority shareholder Calvin Ford as they look to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.