“I’m a big believer in continuity, but I think social media and fan pressure play a part in trying to get instant results.”
Livingston stuck by Martindale, despite his side finishing bottom, 10 points adrift of Ross County, amid a protracted takeover of the West Lothian club.
Now owned by Calvin Ford, the American businessman has kept hold of the man who has been part of Livingston’s backroom team for 11 years and led his side to second place in the Championship and a win over County in the Premiership Play-off.
“If you use my scenario at Livingston, it was a tough season the season before, the club stuck by me and we have managed to take them back to the Scottish Premiership,” Martindale told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound.
“This hire and fire nature, I don’t think it is beneficial to the clubs. I don’t think it’s beneficial to managers trying to do their job.
“I am obviously biased, but I think continuity plays a huge part in the success of a football club.
“If you look at Livingston, they stuck by me in tough times and we won a cup [Challenge Cup] last season and got promoted.”
Martindale admitted he went through “periods of self-reflection and lacking a bit of belief” but is delighted he “managed to repay the fans and the club”.
While Livingston’s main goal would be to avoid relegation “and consolidate” in the coming season, “within the four walls, we will have aspirations to do a little bit better”.
Martindale will again have one of the lowest budgets but vowed not to talk about that this time as “we’ve got a little bit more than we’ve had in previous seasons”.
Watch all your favorite Amazon Prime Video Sports broadcasts live and free. Get access to NFL, NBA, NASCAR, WNBA, and more – all included with your Prime membership!