Hibs boss Jack Ross welcomes David Martindale SFA ruling

Hibs manager Jack Ross has welcomed the Scottish FA’s decision to grant his Livingston counterpart David Martindale ‘fit-and0proper person’ status, saying it serves as an example for others.

Livingston manager David Martindale, left, and his Hibs counterpart Jack Ross.

Martindale spent almost four years in jail for drugs and money laundering offences, but has worked to rehabilitate himself.

Following spells as the head of football operations and as assistant manager with the West Lothian club, he took over as Livingston boss when Gary Holt resigned at the end of November.

Since then he has overseen an 11-game unbeaten run, elevating their Premiership position and guiding them into the Betfred Cup final.

Now, following a meeting of the sub-committee of the Professional Game Board, the SFA have sanctioned his appointment and, according to Ross, it was the right thing to do.

“I don’t think just in terms of coaching but in all walks of life,” said the Easter Road gaffer. “Rehabilitation and a second chance is something that people speak about, but there has to be proof of that as well. That’s what Davie is.

“So, I would probably broaden it out from just coaching to day-to-day life. As Davie has admitted, the fact is you can try to learn from mistakes and turn your life around.

“He’s obviously managed to do that, in terms of the specifics of football, but I would say you could say that in life in general.”

With that chapter now behind him, and having made such a bright start to his managerial career, Ross says there is no reason why Martindale can not continue to progress within a game that has officially offered him redemption.

“I think the job he’s done to date is remarkable and he deserves all the plaudits he’s received so far.

“He’s somebody who I’ve been quite familiar with over the last few years because he was assistant-manager at Livingston when I was at St Mirren. So, I’ve come up against him a lot and enjoyed it.

“I’m pleased he’s been given this opportunity to continue as manager and if he continues in the vein he’s in at the moment then he could be a top manager as well.

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