David Martindale believes the pressure is off his Livingston side after they booked their place in the Premiership play-off final with a comfortable victory over Partick Thistle.
The Lions progressed 4-0 on aggregate, securing a second 2-0 win with Jamie Brandon’s opener added to by Stevie May’s stunning half-volley.
They will now face either Dundee or Ross County over two legs, with their opponents to be determined by how the final day of the Premiership season transpires.
“I wasn’t pleased with the first half, there looked to be a bit of nervousness,” Martindale said.
“The opening goal settled us down and Stevie May’s scored a superb second but the players have done all I could have asked of them.
“It was all about getting through to the final – whether it’s Dundee or Ross County, I don’t care.
“We were the favourites to get through this play-off but that won’t be the case for the final, all of the pressure will be on the Premiership side.”
Off the pitch, there was good news for Livi prior to kick-off as the great-grandson of the Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford was named the new chairman of the club.
Calvin Ford became the majority stakeholder after acquiring 100 per cent of John McIlvogue’s shares in Baycup Ltd, which has held a significant shareholding in the club since the start of the 2023-24 season.
“We got good news, that’s us coming out of the dark ages a wee bit,” Martindale added.
“It’s been hell, torture. To bring someone in of that kind of ilk and business background is brilliant for the football club.
“I’ve always said, whoever comes in, if they want me to stay, then I’ll have the conversation. If they don’t want me to stay, then I’d gladly leave this football club.
“What Calvin has done is secured Livingston Football Club and put it into good hands — I’m irrelevant in all of this.”
Thistle interim co-boss Mark Wilson admits he is unsure as to what his future holds at Firhill.
Alongside Brian Graham, Wilson has guided the Firhill side to the play-offs courtesy of victories over Falkirk and Livingston, then mounting an inspired comeback in their quarter-final clash with Ayr.
They had their chances at the Home of the Set Fare Arena but found themselves with a mountain to climb when Brandon fired home the opening goal with five minutes remaining in the first half.
“I thought we started incredibly well, we built the play much better than the first leg and the boys were brave,” Wilson said.
“The players were a credit to the club and you saw the fans showing their appreciation at the end.
“It’s so important for this club to get into the Premiership so I can understand their frustrations but I hope they see the hard work which has been done.
“I think we’ve done all we could do, it’s been seven days a week and 12-hour days — we’ve done as much as we can do.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.On this day 2019 Hojlund level game mode Would you rather WIN the UEFA Conference League or EARN more money? Which one is the worst? “It’s da history of da Tottenham…” Kepa in Arsenal be like Wanda Nara is now dating 26-year-old Achraf Hakimi — the PSG star reportedly invited Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife to a private party after the...
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group E, where Asian "Red Devils" Urawa Red Diamonds, Serie A giants Inter Milan, Argentine powerhouse River Plate, and Mexican "Tigers" Monterrey will clash. What unique marks will they leave on the pitch?Asian "Red Devils" Uraw...
ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)The Cherries are close to agreeing a £20m...
Chelsea are looking to land a second transfer after Liam Delap.Chelsea are set to launch a new bid for Mike Maignan.Chelsea reportedly face crucial days ahead in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, after already seeing one bid rejected. The France stopper is entering the last year of his contract at the San Siro and has been viewed as a market opportunity at a bargain price.The Blue...
Manchester United's chances of signing Bryan Mbeumo may have received a blow as Tottenham are reportedly readying an offer for the Brentford star.Man Utd eye Brentford's MbeumoTottenham ready their own offerTalks with manager Frank continueWHAT HAPPENED?The Sun report that Tottenham are trying to hijack United's pursuit of Mbeumo - with hopes that landing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as well could ...
Ajax have told Jordan Henderson he can leave for free this summer, with new head coach John Heitinga not counting on the experienced English international. Rumours have linked him with a sensational return to Sunderland, who will return to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.Livramento to Man City currently on 'stand-by'Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento's m...
Mikel Arteta is set to oversee a big summer at Arsenal (Image: Getty)Arsenal have waved goodbye to three players without making a permanent signing so far this summer, but the arrivals are not far off. Nuno Tavares has left the Emirates to join Lazio on a permanent deal, while Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have both entered free agency.Arteta picks between Sesko and GyokeresSince the start of the su...
Federico Chiesa is being tipped to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty)Liverpool FC could be about to lose Federico Chiesa less than a year after the Italian joined the Anfield outfit. Chiesa was the only addition to Arne Slot’s squad during last summer’s transfer window, joining for £10million from Juventus.However, a combination of injuries and bad form meant his minutes w...
The summer transfer window is already in full flow, with Premier League clubs in a race against the clock to get deals over the line before the window is put on pause for the Club World Cup on June 10. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all hopeful of bringing in new signings beforehand, with early exits firmly on the cards as well.Ruben Amorim’s rebuild of United has been kickstar...
Harry Kane and England played out a drab first-half against Andorra (Image: Getty)England were booed off at half-time of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra, after a goalless opening 45 minutes against the European minnows. Thomas Tuchel's men had won their opening two matches of qualification against Albania and Latvia, but the German coach was left wanting more after his side's dismal show...
- 1 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 4 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 5 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 8 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker