Davie Martindale reveals why ‘significant financial losses’ forced him to cut ties with key staff member
DAVIE MARTINDALE has revealed the extent of Livingston’s financial losses which forced him to let a key club worker leave against his will.
Former Hearts, Wolves and Scotland defender Christophe Berra took over the role of first-team manager at the Tony Macaroni Arena in January after Marvin Bartley departed to become Queen of the South manager.
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38-year-old Berra hung up his football boots last summer when he retired after nearly 20 years as a professional.
He started out as a manager at Raith Rovers where he ended his playing career before moving to Premier League side Livingston.
Livi boss Martindale admitted he was dying for Berra to stay at the club and said that had it not been for the club’s precarious financial position, keeping him at West Lothian would have been a “given a given”.
He explained that he had to make sweeping cuts across the football department, which included the sacking of six players from the club.
Martindale told the club website: “I would like to thank Christophe for all his hard work this season. Since joining the coaching staff, he’s been the ultimate pro.
“Unfortunately the club suffered significant financial losses last year and I know I have to cut corners across the football department. If we had the means to keep Christophe here it would have been a given – so reluctant will we see Christophe move on out of necessity rather than necessity.”
Berra added: “First of all, I’d like to thank the manager for asking me to join his backroom team in January. Personally, the last six months have been a great experience that will benefit me in the future and in continuing my career in coaching and management.
“Finally, I would like to thank all the staff and players for making me so welcome from day one. I wish the club and everyone involved all the best for the future.”
The six players Livingston released were Nicky Devlin, Jack Fitzwater, Jaze Kabia, Jackson Longridge, Stephane Omeonga and Brian Schwake.
Devlin had already been spotted in his new team’s colors after his signing picture was leaked on social media.
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