Livingston boss David Martindale is hoping to take the club into Europe next season. He could be helped in this goal by the fact that the Scottish Cup is currently suspended.
Following the comfortable 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Tuesday, which moved Livingston only five points behind the fourth placed Dons, Martindale admitted that qualifying for Europe is an aim.
“Has to be an aspiration”
“It has to be an aspiration. But top six, we spoke about that on Monday, and how we would probably feel it was a poor season if we don’t get that” he said (The National).
David Martindale encourages his Livingston side (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“We would be disappointed at the end of the season even though we have reached the Betfred Cup final, we have no guarantee of winning. So, we want to be in the top six and if we can do that then you never know what can happen” Martindale concluded.
The fact that the Scottish Cup is suspended could aid Martindale’s goals. If the cup isn’t resumed this season, then the top five teams in the Scottish Premiership will qualify for Europe.
Fourth and fifth placed sides could reach new tournament
The top two clubs would qualify for the Champions League. Third place would be in the Europa League and fourth and fifth would play in the new Conference League tournament.
Scott Pittman of Livingston in action (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Therefore, it could be that Martindale achieves his aim of reaching Europe with Livingston. The club has a lot to look forward to between now and the end of the season.
Most notable is the Betfred Cup Final against St Johnstone. However, Martindale will want to continue Livingston’s unbeaten run – which currently stands at 14 games – for as long as possible. Should that happen then they will have a real chance of overtaking Aberdeen and Hibernian.