Livingston boss David Martindale believes his former assistant Marvin Bartley is destined for a successful managerial career in his own right.
The 36-year-old former midfielder has taken his first steps into management after leaving the Lions and taking over the hotseat at League One side Queen of the South.
Bartley first joined the club in the summer of 2019 and was a near ever-present in the heart of the Lions’ midfield for two season while also taking his first steps into coaching as he managed the club’s reserves side.
He was then appointed assistant manager prior to the start of last season but has now departed to take on the managerial role at Palmerston.
The Dumfries club are currently sitting eighth in the League One table, with Bartley set to take charge of his first game this weekend when they visit Montrose.
Speaking to the Courier, Martindale said: “I put Marv in for two or three jobs last year. That was the selling point of getting him into the club originally.
“He took a huge cut in his wages to come in to Livingston as a player and captain with the caveat also being involved in coaching. He took over reserves and then became my assistant.
“This was always the natural evolution so I’m delighted for him.”
He added: “I’m a touch surprised it’s taken so long but it’s a great challenge for him and I’m sure he’ll enjoy being part of the sleepless night club. Getting to your bed at 2am and up at 6am – he’ll be looking forward to that.”
Martindale also confirmed the two clubs will have an informal partnership – much like Livi already do with Championship clubs Arbroath and Greenock Morton.
He explained: “I’ll help him out as much as I can and it’s another avenue for me to put players to on loan. I do that with Dougie Imrie at Morton and Dick Campbell at Arbroath and I’ll be doing that with Marv.
“It’s a situation that I’m sure will work for Livingston and I’m delighted for him even though I’ll miss him.”
As for the former Hibs midfielder's replacement, Martindale says he's hoping to make an appointment with a longer term vision in mind.
He said: "I’ve lost Tony Caig, Liam Fox, Dougie Imrie and now Marvin over the last couple of years. I don’t want to keep coaching the coaches and getting people to buy into what we want to do and all be on the same page.
“I don’t want to keep losing assistant managers and coaches – I want to keep as many of the staff around me as possible and my next assistant manager is one I want to see having a longer-term relationship with at the club.”
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