Livingston manager David Martindale believes this season’s Scottish Premiership title race could deliver a historic outcome, backing Heart of Midlothian to finish top and break the long-standing dominance of the Old Firm.
Despite Livingston finding themselves three points adrift at the foot of the table after facing every club at least once, Martindale feels that vantage point has given him a clear overview of the league. From what he has seen, Hearts have stood out as the most consistent side across the campaign.
Under Derek McInnes, Hearts have combined structure, balance and resilience to establish themselves as genuine contenders. Martindale highlighted both the strength of their squad and the leadership in the dugout, pointing to a level of week-to-week reliability that separates them from their rivals.
Crucially, Martindale framed Hearts’ title push as something that extends beyond Tynecastle. With Rangers and Celtic having dominated Scottish football for decades, a Hearts title would mark the first time in 40 years that a non-Old Firm club finished above both. For Martindale, that prospect alone makes their challenge significant.
He rejected the idea that Hearts’ position is simply the result of Old Firm inconsistency, arguing instead that they have earned their place through strong performances and a clear footballing identity. He also praised the club’s off-field structure, describing Hearts as well-run from top to bottom and well equipped to sustain their challenge.
While Martindale views the title race as a three-way contest, he also acknowledged the wider competitiveness of the league. Motherwell, managed by Jens Berthel Askou, were singled out for their strong position, with Martindale suggesting the fight for the top four could be tighter than many expect.
Rangers, he noted, have given themselves an outside chance, while Celtic, under Martin O’Neill have shown improved consistency. But when all factors are weighed up, Martindale’s pick remains unchanged.
For Scottish football, he believes a Hearts title would be a refreshing and defining moment — one that proves the league can still deliver genuine surprises at the very top.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Aberdeen fan with years of experience in the sports media industry, Peter provides expert analysis and a dedicated "Dons" perspective on the Scottish game. He is passionate about giving a voice to fans across the entire Scottish football pyramid.
