In recent years, Martindale’s squads in the Premiership gained a reputation for their difficult playing style: tough, combative, and always in your face.
With an aging artificial pitch, the Livi fans didn’t typically enjoy a weekend filled with fluid, beautiful soccer.
However, after relegating to the Championship, Martindale seized the chance to restructure and rethink his approach. He’s brought in quality talents such as Lewis Smith, who netted a remarkable first goal in Dingwall, along with Robbie Muirhead and Stevie May.
Backed by a resilient defensive unit, Livingston secured the Championship’s second-best goal difference, finishing with an impressive +28.
“They’ve transformed themselves, and this reinvention is a product of their time in the Championship,” remarked former Livingston manager John Robertson on Sportsound.
“Martindale has brought in highly skilled footballers. They’re playing attractive football, which is a departure from the typical pragmatism seen in Livingston teams that have battled to maintain their league position over the last six years.”
Michael Stewart, a BBC Scotland analyst, added: “He plays a significant role in driving their success; he’s made smart recruitment choices, they showcase quality football, benefit from new investments, and it’s clear that the club is in a very promising situation.”