Livingston boss David Martindale says he’s already content with how the squad is shaping up for next season despite bracing himself for the potential departure of key players.
Winger Alan Forrest looks set to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer while the gaffer expects there to be interest in defender Jack Fitzwater. Key players Max Stryjek, Bruce Anderson and Stephane Omeonga could also attract interest from potential suitors over the summer but all three - as well as Fitzwater - are under contract for next season.
And Martindale revealed his recruitment is already underway with two players signed to pre-contracts.
He commented: “I’ve spoken to quite a few boys, 75 per cent of my squad will be here next year, 90 per cent of my starting XI will be here. I’m fairly comfortable where we are.
“I’ve pre-contracted two foreign players, I don’t want to speak about it too much until I can get Governing Body Endorsement for them.
“Last year we recruited 14, we were looking for quality and quantity whereas this window is more about quality than quantity.
“I need to change the recruitment process this year. I tried to do a lot of my recruitment from League Two in England last year and I brought a lot of loan players in from big clubs in England. I think I need to be a wee bit smarter, I think I need to get more bang for my buck."
He added: “I don’t think it’s any secret we’ll lose Alan but that’s really it.
“As for Jack, I hope he is here but I do think there will be bids in the summer, I’d be shocked if there’s not but it’s in our control.”
Martindale also admitted physicality and set-plays are likely to be a key focus to his summer plans, commenting: “Both boxes is an area that I want to do better in. Historically we’ve been very good at that over the years, both scoring and chances against have been minimal.
“It’s been a weakness this year. I think I’ve got the smallest midfield in the Premiership in Scott Pittman, Jason Holt and Stephane Omeonga, so you are losing that physicality in both boxes.
“But it’s getting that balance because if any of those three players are 6ft 2in, they’re not playing for Livingston.
“Before Joel Nouble came back, the front three were Odin Bailey, Alan Forrest and Bruce Anderson so there’s the front six who I can’t count on really for set plays for and against.
“We’ve had to rely on Jack Fitzwater and Ayo Obileye in both boxes and that’s where I need to be a bit cuter.”
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