Marvin Bartley has replaced David Martindale as men’s first-team manager at Livingston and the club have confirmed and the former boss now becomes sporting director, a new position.
Livingston chairman Calvin Ford confirmed the move in a statement on the club’s website and praised Martindale’s loyalty and passion for the William Hill Premiership strugglers, saying it was an attitude and mentality that embodies the epitome of what an owner looks for in a first team manager.
Then he claimed that 39-year-old, English-born midfielder Bartley, a former Hibs player, is ready for this opportunity.
Ford added: “I have full confidence in his (Bartley’s) ability to lead this club on the pitch and in the dressing room. His experience with Davie (Martindale) 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.”
The chairman is excited about this new chapter at Livingston and he added: “I believe these changes will help our performance as a club and organization both on and off the pitch, and ultimately will make us stronger as a community.”
Ford also said that Martindale’s participation in the growth of Livingston FC is “absolutely vital” to their long-term success.
Martindale took over as manager from Gary Holt in November 2020 and the internal moves came after the 2-0 home defeat by high-flying Motherwell at The Home of the Set Fare Arena on Saturday.
The Lions have now gone 22 games without a league win since beating Falkirk at Almondvale on August 9, a run only matched by one other top division team, Hamilton, in 2010-2011 season.
Former boss Martindale (pictured) said he had to take accountability for what he called a “terrible run” the club have been on.
They prop up the 12-strong league with 11 points from 24 games, six adrift of second bottom Kilmarnock who have also played 24 fixtures, and nine behind third-bottom, St Mirren, who have played a game less.
Martindale admitted this season has proved “incredibly difficult” for a number of reasons and fully understands that change was necessary.
Seven new players have come in during the January transfer window and the long-standing boss added: “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 first team footballing department.”
He urged everybody get behind the staff and players and help play a part in keeping Livi in the Premiership.
He added: “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 first team staff and players every bit of help we can. Now, more than ever, it is important we all stick together.”
Livingston entertain Falkirk in the William Hill Premiership on Wednesday (19.45) and Martindale said: “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.”
