David Martindale leaves Livingston after 24 games without a win

Marvin Bartley has taken over as manager of Livingston, while David Martindale has moved into a new role as sporting director at the club, bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Martindale moves upstairs after five years in charge, with the club winless in 24 matches and six points adrift at the foot of the table.

West Lothian’s only league win of the season came in August and Martindale has now been replaced by his assistant Bartley following Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Motherwell.

Livingston’s 22-game winless run in the league is matched by only one top-flight side this century – Hamilton in 2010-11.

Bartley’s only previous managerial experience came during a 16-month spell with Queen of the South in League One, when he won 25 of his 61 matches.

Martindale’s departure comes less than 24 hours after he told BBC Scotland that he did not “fear for his job” and expressed his desire to stay.

In the club’s statement confirming the management changes, Martindale (51 years old) said: “I must take responsibility for this terrible period we have gone through.

“This season has proven to be very difficult for a number of reasons and I fully understand that change has been necessary at the club.

“I believe Marvin, with the support of the staff and players at the club, has the squad and ability to keep us in the league, but I know what a big task it will be.

“I will be here to offer any support I can giving going forward, but I also recognize that there has to be a clear division between my new role and the first team football department.

“This locker room has enough going on to start putting points on the board. I’m asking us to collectively show immediate and positive support for Marvin and the players in another huge game on Wednesday night.”