Formed: 1943
Nickname: Livi or The Lions
Stadium: Almondvale Stadium (The Tony Macaroni Arena)
Stadium Capacity: 9,865
Manager: David Martindale
Major Honours: Scottish League Cup winners 2003/04
MANAGER
A one-time Rangers youth player, Livingston boss David Martindale enjoyed a successful playing career in junior football with Linlithgow Rose and West Calder United.
Martindale was appointed boss in 2020 when he replaced Gary Holt in the Livi hotseat. He has now spent 10 years at the club, having initially become involved with The Lions as a part-time volunteer back in 2014.
The club reached the Scottish League Cup final during his first season in charge. However, the current campaign is offering the 49-year-old a tough challenge as he aims to maintain Livi’s Scottish Premier League status.
JANUARY ARRIVAL
Livingston added to their attacking options in the January transfer window when they agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal for giant Australian forward Tete Yengi.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Yengi made a positive impression on his debut when he came off the bench in the narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Hearts on January 2.
Having plied his trade in Australia with Adelaide Comets and Newcastle Jets, Yengi opted to try his luck in the UK when he joined Ipswich Town. Unable to force his way into the first team at Portman Road, the 23-year-old gained valuable experience with several loan spells and made 16 League Two appearances for Northampton Town in their 2022/23 promotion-winning campaign.
ONE TO WATCH
Despite what has been a tricky season to-date for Livingston, the consistent performances of 25-year-old James Penrice have gained many plaudits.
With the ability to operate in a defensive midfielder role or at left-back, Livingston-born Penrice has become one of the first names on the manager’s teamsheet. Defensively aware, Penrice also uses his athleticism to great effect when attempting to help the team progress in forward play.
LEAGUE CUP KINGS
The 2003/04 season saw Livingston land major silverware when David Hay’s men were crowned Scottish League Cup winners at Hampden Park.
Entering the competition at the second-round stage, Livingston won 3-1 away to Queen’s Park to set up a third-round trip to Tannadice where an own goal from Dundee United keeper Paul Gallacher proved enough for a 1-0 win and progression to the quarter-final stage.
Once again, the draw handed Livi an away tie as they were paired with Aberdeen in the last eight. An evenly matched affair at Pittodrie was level at 1-1 at the break and 2-2 on 90 minutes before The Lions booked a semi-final slot thanks to Lee Makel’s extra-time winner.
Having dispatched Dundee United in the third round, Livi made it a Dundee double as they defeated the men from Dens Park 1-0 in a semi-final which was played at Hibernian’s Easter Road. With the tie goalless and extra-time appearing on the agenda, Livingston were awarded a 90th minute penalty which was calmly converted by Derek Lilley to propel The Lions to a Hampden Park final against Hibernian.
In front of a crowd of 45,500, second-half goals from Lilley and Jamie McAllister gave Livingston a 2-0 victory in what was the club’s finest hour.
PREVIOUSLY AT IBROX
It will certainly be a case of clinging to the adage ‘third time lucky’ from Livingston’s perspective as they step off the team coach and enter Ibrox this afternoon.
Today’s Scottish Premier League fixture represents The Lions’ third visit to Ibrox this season having previously suffered two 4-0 defeats in the current campaign.
The two sides first locked horns here this season when goals from Sam Lammers, Danilo, Abdallah Sima and Kieran Dowell gave Rangers all three points from a Scottish Premier League match on Saturday, August 12.
Livi then returned the following month for a Viaplay Scottish League Cup tie when Sima was again on target before second-half goals from Ridvan Yilmaz, Luyi de Lucas (own goal) and Ryan Jack resulted in another 4-0 triumph for Rangers.
You can find more interesting facts and stats in today's matchday programme, also featuring has the best exclusive interviews and in-depth features, read more about what you can find in the Livingston issue below:
Exclusive interview with Ross McCausland
Right to Dream’s Joe Mulberry on Mohamed Diomande
Kris Boyd on Steven Davis’ retirement
Welcome message and update from CEO James Bisgrove
Manager and captain’s programme notes
Full lowdown on Livingston FC
RYDC interview with Marvin Andrews
All this plus so much more can be found in 84-page issue, price just £4. Programme can be purchased pre-match at Ibrox Stadium or online here
