Hibs hero becomes manager at Premiership club as he's handed seismic task to halt 'terrible run'
Livingston have brought a Hibs legend into the position of manager.
Hibs hero Marvin Bartley has been appointed manager of Livingston - with David Martindale replaced and becoming sporting director.
The former midfielder made 123 appearances at Hibs, winning the Scottish Cup and Scottish Championship during his four-year stay. He finished his playing career at Almondvale since moved into coaching and management, first in West Lothian and then as Queen of the South gaffer, before returning to Martindale’s backroom team.
Livingston have won one Premiership game all season and none since August following their promotion out of the Championship, with Bartley tasked with halting an alarming 24-game winless run across all competitions. Martindale had been in charge since the 2020/21 season and previously coached in West Lothian prior to that.
Why has David Martindale left Livingston?
He said ahead of a midweek tussle with Falkirk: “I have to take accountability for this terrible run we have been on. This season has proven incredibly difficult for a number of reasons, and I fully understand that change was necessary at the Club. I believe Marvin, supported by the staff and players at the Club, has the squad and ability to keep us in the league, but I know how big a job that will be. I will be here to offer any support I can going forward, but I am also conscious that there has to be a clear divide between my new role and the 1st team footballing department.
“I hope that we can all get behind the staff and players and help play our part in keeping LFC in the Premiership. I will remain forever grateful to Livingston FC past and present for giving me the opportunity to work and manage this football club. I cannot articulate how this has shaped my life and given me opportunities. I will always be grateful for that.
“To stay in this league, it will take every single one of us pushing the team on from whatever role we play, be it coach, staff or fans in the stand. We need to unite and look forward and give the 1st team staff and players every bit of help we can. Now more than ever, it is important we all stick together.
Why have Livingston hired Marvin Bartley
“Football brings unique challenges unlike any other business. For me, it’s during times of adversity that we show the real strength of our character. This changing room has more than enough within it to start putting points on the board. I ask that we collectively show immediate and positive support for Marvin and the players for what will be another massive game on Wednesday night.”
Chairman Calvin Ford added: “Davie Martindale’s loyalty and passion for Livingston FC is unprecedented – an attitude and mentality that embodies the epitome of what an owner looks for in a 1st Team Manager. Davie and I align on our vision for what the future of this Club can be and what we can accomplish, which is why I am thrilled to have him remain at the Club as Sporting Director. With his knowledge of the game, passion for recruitment and understanding of how we want to build the Club, Davie’s participation in the growth of Livingston FC is absolutely vital to our long-term success.
Marvin Bartley is ready for this opportunity. I have full confidence in his ability to lead this Club on the pitch and in the dressing room. His experience with Davie and at Queen of the South made the decision as Davie’s successor an easy one. He has my full support, and I look forward to watching Marvin achieve the very best from our players.