Livingston boss David Martindale is hoping his team can spread some Christmas cheer – and gain new fans in the process.
The Lions are set to be roared on by a bumper crowd during Saturday’s home clash against Ross County after the club handed out 3600 free tickets to local children as an early Christmas gift.
Livi head into their final home game before the holiday season in buoyant mood having clinched back-to-back victories and the gaffer is hoping they will be able to spread some festive cheer.
Local schools and sports organisations were given the chance to apply for up to 50 free tickets for the clash, with Martindale admitting he has been overwhelmed with the response.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to the stadium being packed with local kids.
“I’m actually surprised and overwhelmed it’s been so well received. I’d honestly never have thought in a million years that we’d have that much interest.
“It’s a brilliant initiative and business development manager Dave Black and secretary Derek White deserve a massive amount of credit for the hard work and getting it all together.
“Myself and the players are all really excited and hopefully we can get a result and put on a performance that makes them want to come back.”
As well as the free ticket, youngsters can also check out the new team bus, with Martindale adding: “Robbie Prentice at Prentice Westwood has done an absolutely tremendous job with it. He’s been brilliant for us over the years.
“I think that was the last thing the players were missing from a professional point of view – they’re now travelling in luxury.
“There’s a kitchen, Sky TV, a coffee machine. It doesn’t feel like the players are travelling on a coach.
“We obviously have to be careful with covid and manage it properly, but the kids are going to be able have a look around the bus and we’ll get a couple of the injured players and the club photographer along.
“We want to make a day of it for the kids and hopefully that includes a win on the park.”
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