The winds of change have swept through Livingston Football Club this week, as Marvin Bartley has stepped down as manager just days after the club’s relegation from the Scottish Premiership was confirmed. The resignation, which was officially accepted by the club on May 7, 2026, brings an end to Bartley’s brief but eventful tenure at the helm, a period marked by both hope and heartbreak for the West Lothian side.
Bartley, who took over managerial duties in February 2026 following David Martindale’s move to sporting director, found himself facing a daunting challenge from day one. The club was already mired in a relegation battle, and despite his best efforts, the drop to the Championship became inevitable after Kilmarnock’s 3-0 win over Dundee United last Saturday sealed Livingston’s fate. The Lions, who have only managed two league victories all season, now face a period of transition and uncertainty as they prepare for life in the second tier.
Assistant coach Neil Hastings has also resigned, leaving the club’s technical area notably emptier. In the immediate aftermath, Livingston announced that Scott Arfield, the former Rangers and Falkirk midfielder who only joined the club as a player in February, will take interim charge for the remaining three matches of the season. Arfield’s first test as caretaker boss comes swiftly, with a trip to Dundee scheduled for Saturday, followed by away action against Dundee United and a final home clash with Kilmarnock.
The circumstances surrounding Bartley’s resignation have stirred conversation across Scottish football. In a heartfelt statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Bartley explained the reasoning behind his and Hastings’ decision to walk away. He wrote, “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.” He continued, “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.”
Bartley’s connection to Livingston runs deep. From his days as a youth player at under-13 level, through roles as youth coach, captain, reserve team manager, first-team coach, assistant manager, and finally manager, his ties to the club are woven into its recent history. “This club has been a massive part of both our lives and something we’ve always represented with pride,” Bartley emphasized in his statement.
His resignation, however, was not a decision made lightly or in haste. Bartley revealed that the catalyst came after a conversation with club leadership on Monday, May 4, where he and Hastings were informed they would need to reapply for their positions as part of a new process being implemented by the club. This came as a surprise to the pair, especially since, as Bartley detailed, “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 Bartley, the abrupt shift in the club’s plans was a dealbreaker. “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.”
Despite the disappointment of relegation, Bartley took time to reflect on the positives during his short reign. “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.”
Indeed, Livingston’s performances under Bartley did show signs of life. The team managed to pick up nine points from his eleven matches in charge, with notable draws against Scottish heavyweights Hearts, Rangers, and Hibs. There were also moments of pride, including the club’s second league win of the season and several clean sheets during the run-in. Bartley was quick to credit his players, stating, “The players deserve enormous credit for the fight, professionalism and application they’ve shown over the last eleven games in very difficult circumstances.”
Throughout his statement, Bartley reiterated his commitment to the club’s best interests. “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.”
The club, for its part, expressed gratitude for the efforts of Bartley and Hastings during what was undeniably a challenging period. In an official statement, Livingston said, “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.”
Bartley’s journey to the Livingston dugout was itself a testament to his dedication to the game. A former midfielder with more than 225 English Football League appearances to his name—featuring stints at Bournemouth, Burnley, and Leyton Orient—he retired as a player with Livingston in 2022 before moving into coaching. He later served as assistant manager under David Martindale and had a brief spell in charge of Queen of the South before returning to Livingston last summer.
Since hanging up his boots, Bartley has also worked as a pundit, adding another layer to his multifaceted football career. Yet, it is clear that his time at Livingston holds a special place in his heart. “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,” Bartley concluded.
As Livingston prepare to turn the page, all eyes will be on Scott Arfield and how he guides the team through their final fixtures of the season. With the sting of relegation still fresh, the club faces a summer of reflection and rebuilding, but also an opportunity to chart a new course in the Scottish Championship. The next chapter begins now, and the footballing community will be watching with keen interest to see how the Lions respond to this latest twist in their storied journey.