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.”
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