Hibs hero leaves SPFL club as he brands managerial exit a 'major surprise' after being left 'no option'

A Hibs hero has hit out over his exit from a managerial position at one Premiership club.

Marvin Bartley, who won the 2016 Scottish Cup and later the Championship at Easter Road, was named Lions manager in January after David Martindale’s move to sporting director. Livingston have been relegated to the Championship but performances had improved under the ex-midfielder and they clinched their second win of the term away at St Mirren last month.

Veteran midfielder Scott Arfield will now lead Livingston for their final three games after Bartley and coach Neil Hastings were confirmed as exiting Almondvale. Now the former Hibs star has turned to social media and made claims on why he felt he had no option but to leave the club immediately. Bartley posted on X: "Ultimately, this decision comes following a conversation on Monday where the position that had previously been outlined to us changed considerably.

Why has Marvin Bartley left Livingston?

“Following the Motherwell game on 31 January, I was asked to take on the role and initially declined given the circumstances at the time. After further conversations, I agreed to do so based on assurances around stability and the opportunity to lead the club into next season should relegation happen.

“For that reason, it came as a major surprise to later be informed that Neil and I would need to reapply for our positions as part of a new process being introduced by the club. We don't feel that the situation we agreed to take on, and the one now being presented, are the same. As a result, we feel stepping away is the right direction for us both.

“We took over a group that was in an extremely difficult position with a short period of time to try and turn things around. While results ultimately haven't been enough to keep the club in the division, we believe there were clear improvements in performances, competitiveness and spirit across the 11 games."

What have Livingston said about new head coach?

Chairman Calvin Ford later released a statement on the head coach scenario. He said: I would like to briefly discuss the Head Coach role, as it’s important that there is clarity in our process as we move forward. It is of paramount importance that we transition into an operation that is not reliant on one individual making all of the footballing decisions.

“We are developing an executive football committee that will be responsible for making significant decisions that will influence the future of our Club. In both the business and footballing world, building a culture with smart, motivated, hard-working people ultimately and inevitably translates into successful results.

“We will work to find the proper leader who is the best fit both on the pitch and in the dressing room. It is incumbent upon me and the leaders at the Club to ensure the right person is in place to lead Livingston F.C. now and into the future. We will not accept anything or anyone less than what we feel gives us the best chance to win. That is what drives us. The right leader will guide our play in an aggressive, attacking football style, and help promote us back to the Premiership where we rightly belong.”

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