Scottish Premiership manager quits with three games to go as Rangers hero takes interim charge

Livingston’s demotion was confirmed last Saturday after Kilmarnock’s 3-0 win over Dundee United condemned the Lions, who have only won two league matches all season, to 12th place in the top flight.

The West Lothian side’s fortunes had picked up under Bartley after he took over from David Martindale as manager earlier this year, including draws against Hearts, Rangers and Hibs. However, his efforts were not enough to keep Livingston up and he has now decided to quit his post with immediate effect.

Bartley was due to speak to the media on Thursday morning, but the club hastily postponed his press conference and then confirmed that the 39-year-old former Hibs man had resigned. His assistant coach Neil Hastings has also vacated the Home of the Set Fare Arena.

Bartley explained his reasoning on social media and revealed that he and Hastings were told they would have to re-apply for their roles in the Championship despite being assured that they would be given the 2026/27 campaign regardless of relegation.

Bartley wrote on X: “It’s with regret that Neil Hastings and I have decided we have no option but to resign from our positions at Livingston Football Club with immediate effect.

“It’s been a huge honour to lead a club that we’ve both been associated with for so many years and in so many different roles throughout our careers.

“From youth player at under-13 level, youth coach, captain, reserve team manager, first-team coach, assistant manager and manager, this club has been a massive part of both our lives and something we’ve always represented with pride.

“We’d like to thank everyone inside and outside the club who has supported us throughout this period.

“In particular, the players deserve enormous credit for the fight, professionalism and application they’ve shown over the last eleven games in very difficult circumstances.

“Ultimately, 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 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 decision 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 eleven games.

“There have still been moments we’re proud of, particularly the performances at home against Rangers and Hearts, the club’s second league win of the season, and adding further clean sheets during the run-in.

“Throughout our time in charge, we’ve always acted in what we believed were the best interests of the team and the club.

“Our decisions were made honestly, professionally and with full commitment to improving standards and giving the club the best chance possible.

“We leave with disappointment, but also with gratitude for the opportunity to represent Livingston Football Club in these roles.

“We wish the club, the staff, the players and the supporters all the very best moving forward.

“Marv and Hastie.”

Former Rangers title winner and Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield will take interim charge for Livingston’s three remaining matches, starting on Saturday with the Lions’ trip to Dundee. Their other two matches are away to Dundee United and at home to Kilmarnock.

Arfield only joined Livingston from Falkirk as a player in February and will be the third man to take the reins during a difficult season for the club.

A statement from Livingston 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 club, 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.”

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