David Martindale’s past and path to management in elite football is a well documented one, as one of the Scottish game’s most engaging figures his post match interviews are always honest, forthright and worth a watch.
After Rangers defeated his side 2-1 he gave an accurate assessment of his team’s performance. I’d be inclined to disagree with his opinion on a draw potentially being a fair result, but that’s another story.
What he did though was praise the tactical adjustments made by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the matchwinners, Scott Arfield and James Tavernier – much to the annoyance of Celtic bloggers everywhere.
🗣️”If that came out a 1-1 draw I don’t think anyone is questioning the result.”
David Martindale described Livingston’s opening day defeat to Rangers as ‘frustrating’ and reveals he ‘knew’ Arfield was going to score when he came on…👇 pic.twitter.com/Kf7XshjcqC
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) July 30, 2022
Livingston gave Rangers a real fright, unlike Aberdeen at Parkhead, nobody could question their effort levels or determination to get three points, that it took sustained pressure and two top quality finishes to break down their stubborn defence tells it’s own story, however, with Martindale referring to “wee Scotty” and “Tav”, he really triggered those from across the city – one going as far as to suggest that his bosses should be having a word with him about his behaviour.
Saying that “Tav does what Tav does” in relation to the Gers skipper firing in a free-kick is hardly a sackable offence, it’s just how Martindale speaks, he’s not had his personality media trained out of him.
The paranoia has returned, the conspiracies about refereeing decisions are back, the BBC are ignoring controversy that has gone against Rangers – Scottish football is back and it’s only week one.