Livingston FC has announced that club chairperson Robert Wilson is set to retire and will step down from the role.
Robert has been involved with the club for 14 years, taking on the role of Chairperson in 2015. He’s been at the helm of the board as we battled back from League 1 all the way the top flight, helping to make the club sustainable in doing so whilst also navigating the club through the COVID-19 pandemic.
A man with a real and genuine passion for all things football – his knowledge of the game across the country is second-to-none. A Chairperson who made a real attempt to get to know and speak with the staff and players and make himself approachable and “one of the team” – there was certainly never any air of any self-importance.
Robert said: “It’s been a genuine honour to serve as the Chairperson of Livingston Football Club.
“I’ve certainly seen lots in my time here, good and bad, but I feel like now is the best time for me to step aside and allow a freshness to the board but also knowing that I leave as the club gets set to take on a record breaking 6th season in the top flight – something we could only have dreamed of back in 2016 when we were playing in League One.
“There are far, far too many people for me to thank across the years individually but it’s safe to say that in my time here, I’ve seen an abundance of incredibly hard-working staff across both the on and off field side of the club. It takes a lot of hard work from the small team we have here to get a game of football on the go at 3pm on Saturday – and then a lot of hard work from the footballing side to make sure we pick up the points we need. It’s a team effort and that team ethic has always been so crucial to a club like ours.
“Thank you to all of our supporters – we might be small in numbers but we’re huge in heart. Keep giving this team, this staff and this club your backing – you don’t know just how important each and everyone one of you is!
“I wish everyone all the very best going forward and look forward to coming along, just as a fan, and continuing to enjoy the football on a Saturday.”
Chief executive John Ward said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Robert. He is a genuine football man to his core. He will certainly be missed as Chairperson but I look forward to welcoming him back here when time allows him to visit.”
Men’s first-team manager David Martindale said: “I will be eternally grateful for everything Robert Wilson has done for myself.
“He was open to me coming into the club 9 years ago and has gave me unbelievable backing during that period. He’s a fantastic football man with incredible knowledge of the game.
“He has been at Livingston FC for 14 years or so and been through some incredibly tough periods but also some very highly successful periods. He leaves the club in the Scottish Premiership and from where it has been, I think Robert can leave with his head held high and with a massive thank you from all of us.
“Thanks for the opportunity you gave me, I will be eternally grateful.”
On behalf of everyone at Livingston Football Club, we wish you the very, very best in your retirement Robert – don’t be a stranger!
Gary Brown, a director within the club structure, will also be stepping down from his role following the completion of the 2022/23 season.
Gary said: “I’ve loved every minute of my two and a half years being involved here at Livingston. Sadly, my own work commitments away from football mean I don’t have the same time to commit for the time being so it makes sense to step away.
“I wish the club and everyone involved continued success which we’ve all become accustomed to over recent years.”
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