Scottish Premier League: Chairman Calvin Ford drives positivity but Livingston reject big chance

The hope – not yet lost – is that performances on the pitch can take off in the same way as off the pitch.

John Ward, who vacated the chairmanship, said Ford would “bring radical change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community” when it was announced in May last year.

The American – who said he “had goosebumps” – couldn’t hide his delight at being back in Almondville for a game, revealing on the radio that his 12-year-old son said it was the “best day of his life” when he was here to watch the Falkirk game.

Martindale – who first joined the club as a volunteer in 2014 – admits that the “pressure” he previously felt at the club no longer exists, due to Ford’s involvement.

“The club is in a really good position, so I felt under a lot more pressure than I do now,” he said.

“I think I have over the years, Dave [Black] And John [Ward] Maybe the weight of the club was around our necks, so every defeat felt that much worse, and people’s jobs were on the line.

“I know the club, outside of my position, is in a really good position, so the pressure is not there.

“Internally with me, the coaching staff and the players 100%, but have I been in more difficult situations? I would say I have.”

Martindale admits he has to turn his fortunes around on the pitch, but he may have a tip or two from Ford along the way.