David Martindale: Livingston say St Johnstone approach for manager has been rejected
- Published
David Martindale began working with Livingston as a volunteer nine years ago
Livingston say they have rejected an official approach from St Johnstone for permission to speak to their manager, David Martindale.
St Johnstone sacked Steven MacLean on Sunday after a 4-0 defeat by St Mirren left the Perth side five points adrift at the foot of the Scottish top flight.
Martindale has been Livingston boss for three years.
Chief executive Dave Black told his club website his club hoped to keep Martindale "for a long time to come".
"Following recent speculation over the past 48 hours regarding men's first-team manager David Martindale, I was keen to provide supporters with an update," he said.
"Yesterday, the club received an official approach from St Johnstone for permission to speak to David about taking the vacant position at McDiarmid Park.
"I informed St Johnstone this morning that we wouldn't be giving permission for that conversation to take place.
"David has been pivotal in both the on-field success of the club over recent years and on the off-field growth and stability of the club too."
The 49-year-old Martindale first became involved at Tony Macaroni Arena as a part-time volunteer in 2014 while employed in the construction industry and became assistant manager two years later.
His side finished eighth last season and are currently ninth, six points ahead of St Johnstone.
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