The hope – which is far from lost – is that the on-field performances can take off in the same way off-field workings have.
John Ward, who vacated the chairmanship, said Ford would “bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community,” when he was announced in May last year.
The American – who said he “had the chills” – couldn’t hide his excitement at being back at Almondvale on a matchday, and revealed on the radio his 12-year-old son said it was “the best day of his life” when he was here for the Falkirk game.
Martindale – who first joined the club as a volunteer in 2014 – admits the “pressure” he previously felt at the club is no longer there, because of Ford’s involvement.
“The club is in a really, really good place so I’ve felt under a lot more pressure than I feel just now,” he said.
“I think over the years me, Dave [Black] and John [Ward] probably had the weight of the club around our necks, so every defeat felt a lot worse, people’s jobs were at stakes.
“I know the club, outwith my position, is in a really good place so that pressure’s not there.
“Internally with me, the staff, the players, 100%, but have I been in much trickier positions? I would say I have.”
Martindale admits it’s on him to reverse fortunes on the field, but he might have a tip or two from Ford on the way.
