Livingston manager David Martindale has confirmed the West Lothain side are close to agreeing a new contract with number one Max Stryjek as he hailed the consistency the shotstopper has started to show.
Stryjek is out of contract at the end of next season but he is expected to put pen to paper on a long-term extension that will keep him at the Tony Macaroni Arena until 2025.
Martindale confirmed Livingston are close to a new deal for Max Stryjek (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Martindale is delighted to get the former Sunderland kid tied down long-term as he looks to put an end to Livi’s seemingly never-ending search for a regular number one.
“We’ve still got to iron out a few minor details, but it’s not a million miles away from getting done,” Martindale told the West Lothian Courier.
“I genuinely believe he’s sorted out his off-field activities from last year which I’ve been quite vocal about previously.
“He went through a wee spell earlier in the season where he made a couple of mistakes, but he was still pulling out some fantastic saves and over the last few weeks he’s been tremendous.
“I’m delighted to secure the deal because it’s the one position in my eight years at Livingston that’s always been rotating. It seems like all we’ve ever done is look for a new goalkeeper every year.
“Max was here last year which helps with that stability and he’s taken the No.1 this season. The deal means we know we’ve got a very capable No.1 keeper at the club for the next wee while.”
Stryjek has made 45 appearances for Livingston since moving from Eastleigh, competing with Rangers loanee Robby McCrorie last season before taking the gloves himself.
The Polish keeper has started 17 of Livi’s 18 games this season – sitting on the bench for the League Cup clash with Cowdenbeath – as Martindale’s side look to avoid being sucked into a relegation fight.
With a Premiership clash against St Mirren on Saturday, the Lions will be looking for three points to help them climb up the table and put some space between themselves and Dundee in eleventh.
NTOF now offers a YouTube channel featuring exclusive interviews, post-match discussion, in-depth debate, and much more – LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and don’t miss any of our videos.