David Martindale is a man who knows the consequences of getting dragged into a world of violence only too well.

The Livingston manager is now a respected figure in Scottish football but the path to his current role was not a smooth one.

David grew up on a tough estate in West Lothian where violence was an everyday occurrence.

After his promising youth football career petered out, he drifted into organised crime and eventually served four years in prison.

The coach has served his time and admitted his past mistakes.

In the Daily Record today, David offers a unique insight into how a lack of opportunities for youngsters can send them on the wrong path.

His backing for the Record’s Our Kids ... Our Future campaign is welcome and he’s a man who should be listened to.

For too many young Scots there are few options in life other than gaining a warped status through crime, drugs and petty violence.

David knows that leads to destruction, prison and wasted lives.

He also suggests – like we do in our campaign – that providing facilities for young people and giving them hope of a better life is the only way to sort it out.

The Livi gaffer always had potential and his work ethic and talent saw him get his life back on track.

But many others like him have not been so lucky.

Youth services need to be protected from council cut-backs.

Shutting the door on youngsters when school is finished for the day sends too many down the wrong path.

Bus plan red card

It’s great news that the UK Traffic Commissioner has slammed the brakes on draconian curbs on
Scottish football fans.

The proposed restrictions on Scottish football supporters’ buses were over-the-top and completely unnecessary.

They would have made the matchday experience worse for thousands of fans and would have put many supporters’ clubs out of business.

The backlash the consultation caused shows just how out of touch it was.

Supporters deserve credit for uniting to fight the proposals. Politicians did the same. It shows what can be done when we work together.

This kind of attack on our national game cannot be allowed to happen again.

And the debacle must mark a change in how football fans are treated.

Far too often, the finger is pointed at fans when a noisy minority cause problems.

Instead of demonising them, we should listen to fans’ voices.

They are the lifeblood of our game and should be front and centre when any future changes are proposed.

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