Former Hearts and Scotland defender Christophe Berra has been appointed first-team coach at SPFL Premiership outfit Livingston.
Berra, who turns 38 later this month, has only recently hung up his boots following a distinguished playing career that included 41 caps for Scotland and two years spent in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He joins the club having previously had a spell as part of the coaching staff at Raith Rovers.
Meanwhile, the Lions have named Marvin Bartley's successor as assistant manager with Neil Hastings making the step up from coach to David Martindale's right-hand man.
Speaking about both appointments, Martindale commented: “I'm delighted to announce that Neil Hastings has agreed to become the new assistant manager at Livingston Football Club following the departure of Marvin Bartley to Queen of the South.
“It was year ago that Neil joined the backroom staff at Livingston as a first-team coach and he has proved to be a huge asset for the team and resultantly, I felt it was important to reward him with the position of assistant manager.
“It's certainly a step up in terms of responsibility but one that I have no doubt Neil will take it in his stride.
“I’m also pleased to announce that Christophe Berra will come in and fill the first-team coaching role that Neil will leave behind by stepping up.
“Christophe was a highly respected footballer and I believe he will become a hugely important member of my backroom team. He brings a wealth of experience as a professional footballer at the top level having had a top career as a defender.
“Christophe will bring a huge amount of that experience into the club giving what he’s done and where he’s been over that playing career, albeit, he is in the early stages of his coaching career. I'm looking forward to getting him on the training field and working alongside him.”
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