Livingston manager Davie Martindale insists he needs to put himself first instead of others when it comes to finding a replacement for Marvin Bartley.
Martindale was more than happy for former assistant Bartley to use the Lions as a platform for a route into management, with the former Hibs midfielder being appointed Queen of the South boss on Sunday.
Martindale has also seen Liam Fox and Dougie Imrie gain experience as part of his backroom staff before becoming the managers of Dundee United and Morton respectively.
However, Martindale insists this time he wants to recruit a number two who will be with him for the long-term.
Martindale said: “The only thing that might change in terms of how I’ve done it previously is that I’m going to look for more continuity within the coaching staff, I’m not looking to give someone a platform so they can move on.
“I think that’s difficult, I’m looking to build a coaching team around me that I can rely on.
“What people seem to forget that is difficult is that I’ve still got to coach the coaches, they have to buy into what I’m trying to do and how I work so I’ve lost three-and-a-half years of experience there from Marvin leaving, which I will have to replicate.
“I understand people move on, when Marv came in that was one of the unique selling points but my ideas have kind of changed now.
“This now, it is more of a long-term view of someone working with Livingston Football Club. I’m a big believer in continuity on and off the park.”
Martindale admits even before Bartley left he had a list of potential future assistant managers, while he has also been inundated with calls regarding the vacancy.
Martindale, who also has Neil Hastings as first team coach at the Tony Macaroni Arena, added: “I’ve always got two or three people at the back of my mind in terms of someone I could bring in. My phone has been red hot with interest.
“I’ve always got a database, it’s just like recruitment and staff is no different.
“I’ve always got ideas in my own head of what I would like to do going forward if X, Y or Z happens.”
