Scottish Premiership manager receives unequivocal backing of owner despite 'unacceptable' results

Ford took ownership of the West Lothian club in May just prior to securing promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs but the team has struggled in the top flight and currently sit bottom of the table with only one league victory all season, which came in August. The 1-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday was Livingston’s 19th successive match without a victory.

The American businessman, however, has thrown his weight behind Martindale, who is entering his sixth year as first-team head coach having first joined the club as a volunteer in 2014.

"Let me begin by acknowledging that a 1-6-13 record after 20 games is unacceptable," Ford said in a statement on the Livingston website.

"There is no excuse for our poor record , and I want to recognise the anger, frustration and disappointment that our play has created for our incredible fanbase, our dedicated staff and amazing volunteers.

“You deserve better, and that falls on my shoulders first.

"When the opportunity to invest in Livingston came to me many months ago, the first person I met at the club was David Martindale. During our first call, I could tell that his passion and loyalty for Livingston FC was beyond the scope of anything I had ever seen in sport before. It was contagious, and I knew almost immediately that this was a special place, and that the opportunity to do something great here was palpable.

"Despite the incredible challenges we have faced this season thus far, Davie's attitude and the demeanour of his staff have remained both positive and optimistic. Davie is a leader, and will continue to be the leader of this football club. He, and his staff, have my full support.

"I did not come into this club to hire and fire managers. I have seen the toxicity and choas that can bring to a team and to the community. I am here to build something sustainable that can only be accomplished by continuity, and not making harsh, unprepared, impulsive decisions. I fully recognise the reality of the current situation and it's easy (for me as well) to look at it negatively and want to find blame.

"But I also know the merit and reward of slogging through the trenches together, battered and bloody, and finding ourselves on the other side more fortified and unified than ever.

"Rather than view the situation with a pessimistic outlook, I ask you to join me and unite around this team and this staff. I know this is not the easy path, but for now, I am confident it is the right one.

"I promise you all that I will do everything in my power to turn this ship and help move it in the right direction. I am frustrated, yes, but I am also incredibly bullish on what 2026 will bring to Livingston FC. The war is far from over. Never give up the fight."