Marvin Bartley departs as Livingston manager after Premiership drop in 2026

Marvin Bartley stepped down as Livingston manager following the club's Scottish Premiership relegation in 2026.

Managerial resignation announced Marvin Bartley has stepped down from his role as Livingston's head coach following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes after Bartley's brief tenure in charge, which began when he took over from the assistant role in January following David Martindale's appointment to a sporting director position. Bartley, a former player for both Hibernian and Livingston, managed the team for 11 matches during his time in charge. Assistant coach Neil Hastings also left the club alongside Bartley as the club prepared for a leadership transition.

Interim leadership takes over With Bartley's exit, veteran midfielder Scott Arfield has been named as the interim manager to oversee the club's final three top-flight matches of the season. Arfield will lead the team while the club searches for a permanent replacement for the head coach role. The interim setup includes Arfield stepping into the managerial position with immediate effect, aiming to guide the side through the remaining fixtures. Bartley's departure marks the end of a short but eventful period at the club.

Martindale's long tenure ends David Martindale, who had been with Livingston since 2014, served nearly six years in charge before transitioning into a sporting director role earlier this year. Martindale led the club back to the Premiership at the first attempt via the play-offs after their relegation two seasons ago. His departure from the managerial position followed a prolonged period of struggles that culminated in relegation this season. The club's leadership structure has undergone significant changes in recent months.

Record-breaking winless streak Livingston endured a 33-game run without a victory this season, with their 31 league matches without a win setting a record in the Scottish top flight. The club's struggles were evident throughout the campaign, culminating in their inevitable relegation despite occasional bright spots. The winless streak highlighted deep-rooted issues that persisted across multiple matches and phases of the season. Bartley's brief spell as manager could not reverse the decline that had built over time.

Final matches and relegation confirmed The club secured a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen on Friday, yet their fate was sealed the following day when second-bottom Kilmarnock defeated Dundee United. This result mathematically confirmed Livingston's relegation from the Premiership. Bartley's side had managed a 2-0 away win at St Mirren two weeks earlier, a rare highlight amid a difficult run. The final three matches under Arfield's interim leadership will not impact the club's top-flight status.

Bartley's brief tenure in numbers Marvin Bartley finished his time as Livingston manager with a record of one victory, six draws, and four defeats across his 11 matches in charge. The lone win came in a 2-0 away victory over St Mirren in late April. The six draws included a 2-2 stalemate with Aberdeen just days before relegation was confirmed. Four losses followed in the same period, reflecting the challenges faced during his short management spell.

Club's immediate next steps Livingston will now focus on appointing a new head coach to rebuild the squad following their relegation to the Scottish Championship. The club's hierarchy will evaluate the managerial options available as they aim to restore competitiveness in the second tier. Arfield's interim role provides stability while the search for a permanent successor continues. The leadership vacuum presents an opportunity for fresh strategic direction at the club.