Scott Arfield will lead Livingston into their final three matches of the season after the resignations of the head coach and an assistant.
Marvin Bartley and Neil Hastings quit with immediate effect and the planned media briefing ahead of Saturday’s trip to Dens Park to play Dundee was cancelled within 40 minutes of the scheduled time.
The West Lothian club issued a three-paragraph statement on their website in the afternoon.
It read: “The club can confirm that it has today accepted the resignations of men’s first-team head coach, Marvin Bartley, along with Neil Hastings with immediate effect.
“We thank Marvin and Neil for their efforts and commitment during a challenging period for the cub and we wish them well for the future.
“Scott Arfield will lead the team for the final three matches of the season supported by an interim coaching team.” He arrived from Falkirk in January after spells with Rangers, Burnley and Huddersfield.
Bartley, aged 39, took over from long-standing manager, David Martindale, earlier this year, stepping up from his role as assistant. Martindale is now sporting director.
The Reading-born former Hibs midfield player posted a lengthy statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in which he said he had “no option” but to resign and he said: “This decision comes following a conversation on Monday where the position that had previously been outlined to us changed significantly.
“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 nw process being introduced by the club.
“We believe there were clear improvements in performances, competitiveness and spirit across the 11 games.”
Bartley added: “We feel stepping away is the right decision for us both. We wish the club, the staff, the players and the supporters all the very best moving forward.”
FASHBACK: Bartley at a media briefing at The Home of the Set Fare Arena after taking over. Picture Nigel Duncan
