Livingston No.2 Marvin Bartley has been named the new manager of Queen of the South.
The Lions assistant is close totaking his first steps into management after two years as David Martindale’s number two in West Lothian. Former Hibs, Burnley and Bournemouth midfielder Bartley had talks with Ayr United over replacing Jim Duffy at Somerset 12 months ago but lost out to Lee Bullen.
Now the 36-year-old has been confirmed at Palmerston with the finer details of his deal being thrashed out. Queens have been hunting a new boss since Wullie Gibson was axed last month with the Doonhamers lying in the bottom half of League One. The full-time Dumfries outfit are targeting promotion after dropping out of the Championship last season. But yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Alloa leaves them eighth and six points off the play-off positions. Bartley could delve into the transfer market to bolster his options with a goalkeeper top of the Queens’ priority list with first chice Max Currie sidelined by injury.
Livi boss Martindale said: “I have a mixture of emotions in terms of feeling both delighted for Marvin but sad that we’re losing him from the football club.
“He has been with us for four seasons now and hand on heart I can say he is genuinely a fantastic person and has a huge future in the world of football management.
“I’m losing a friend on a day-to-day basis and a huge part of what we do at Livingston, but I am delighted for him at the same time.
“He will always be welcome back and goes with everyone’s best wishes.”
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