Ex-Rangers star takes over interim duties in first ever manager role as league strugglers part ways with boss
The former Burnley and Falkirk man is about take on his first top-job in the dugout on an interim basis
Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield has taken over interim management duties at Livingston following the departure of boss Marvin Bartley.
The 37-year old, who was a fan favourite at Ibrox as a player, left Falkirk for Livi in January on a short-term contract. As Bartley was left with ‘no option’ but to resign from the role following a board dispute, as one of the more experienced players, Arfield will now take charge for their last three games of the season in what will be his first ever managerial opportunity.
The writing has been on the wall for the Lions for some time time now as their relegation fate was eventually sealed at the weekend. Livingston have enjoyed a mini-revival in recent weeks with Bartley at the helm after he took over from veteran boss David Martindale in January. The former Hibs midfielder has now left the club with immediate effect, along with assistant Neil Hastings.
Arfield takes the interim reins at Livi as next steps assessed
A Livi statement 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.”
Livingston face both Dundee sides and Kilmarnock in their last three as they now aim to restore some pride before the Scottish Championship next season. Should Arfield get three positive results, he could be in contention for a more permanent position. The former Canada international has started in Livingston’s last four himself, so will also have to decide whether he wants to lead the team from the dugout or the pitch in his new player-coach role.
Approaching 40, Arfield has made no secret that retirement from playing had entered his mind and has been looking into other potential avenues of late. He recently completed his UEFA B diploma coaching badge and can now be seen regularly as a pundit on Premier Sports. He also was spotted pouring pints at Bar 442 in Govan, the Rangers-themed pub he recently took over on Paisley Road West.
Why has Marvin Bartley left Livingston?
After 11 games in charge, Bartley decided enough was enough at the Home of the Set Fare Arena as he claims the club misled him on the terms of his appointment. The former Livi boss said via X: "It’s with regret that Neil Hastings and I have decided we’ve been left with no options but to resign from Livingston Football Club with immediate effect. Ultimately, this decision comes following a conversation on Monday where the position that had previously been outlined to us changed considerably.
“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."
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly