Inside James Penrice's rise to £2m superstar as proud David Martindale says Hearts star's AEK transfer is well earned
David Martindale helped send James Penrice on his way and reckons he deserves his big-money move to AEK Athens.
The Livingston boss is delighted that his former full-back is on the verge of a near £2million move to the Greek giants.
Penrice's success at Hearts last season has put him in the sights of AEK.
It has been some rise for the left-sided defender who Martindale, initially, took on loan from Partick Thistle.
He then took him to Almondvale permanently before he moved on to the Jambos last summer.
'I am delighted for him,' Martindale proudly claimed. 'We signed James when we were in the Premiership.
'He was in the Championship with Partick Thistle and wasn't playing a lot of football.
'I'd had him on loan previously and I knew his mum and dad well. He comes from Livingston so it was relatively easy when we went back in to sign him permanently.
'James did really well for us and then moved to Hearts last year and now he looks to be going to AEK He deserves the move.
'He had a really, really strong season last year. It is something to look forward to and to watch him progress going forward. I think it's a testament to James' character.
'He's always had the ability but he has put in the hard work. He put in a shift at Livingston for a few years.
'The one thing about James is that he is very, very coachable and he's a good person.'
Martindale reckons Penrice is an example of the gems that can be unearthed in the Championship and below.
That is why he has gone out and signed the likes of Cammy Kerr, Zak Rudden and Connor McLennan. They were playing with Queen's Park and Ayr United, respectively, although all three have had previous top-flight experience.
'I think it's hard at times when you're looking at your budget and finances,' the Livi boss claimed.
'You are always looking to see if you can bring a better level of player in. I had James in the Championship with me, so I kind of knew a lot about him. So I think it's a hard one.
'We went for a few boys from the Scottish Championship because we had played against them last season.
'I think there's a lot to be said for bringing Scottish players into your changing room, because they know what's required on a weekly basis. That's kind of what I've tried to do in the last two to three seasons.'
Martindale has also brought in Macaulay Tait, Graham Carey, Jannik Wanner, Mo Sylla and Stevie May. He wants to add another striker but reckons Livingston are returning to the Premiership in good shape.
He explained: 'I think we've brought in the Premiership experience, which I think is vital.
'We've brought in players that are looking for the opportunity to play in the Premiership previously, but are looking to be back playing in the Premiership. Then we've kind of sprinkled that with a wee bit like the boy Yannick Wanner coming in.
'We've been pretty smart with our recruitment. We are maybe one light in an offensive area but we are in a good place.'
Martindale is adamant that Livingston have one goal – to remain in the Premiership.
'It's just time to consolidate and try and stay in the league and see where it takes us,' he admitted. 'Celtic have always been a big spender, but Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen are paying decent transfer fees.
'I think the top five are really money getting put into their clubs.
'These clubs are realising they've got to put money in to compete with one another, which is making it harder for the boxing teams below that.
'The gap has got a wee bit bigger. That's why I was a big advocate for an extended league, to be honest. To make it a wee bit more competitive down the bottom end.'
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