David Martindale Says Livingston Dugout Return Will Be Temporary

Livingston sporting director David Martindale has said his return to the dugout is strictly temporary after the Scottish Championship club dismissed head coach Glenn Whelan and assistant Danny Ventre. Reporting by BBC Sport and The Herald said Martindale will lead the team on an interim basis while Livingston searches for a permanent successor.

Whelan's tenure ended after only nine games in charge. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder was appointed in May following Livingston's relegation from the Scottish Premiership, but the club took six points from its opening five league matches, with two wins and three defeats. A 1-0 home loss to Stenhousemuir preceded the decision to change coaches.

Martindale said the decision to remove Whelan and Ventre did not come from Livingston's football department, while accepting that results had fallen below the club's expectations. He also included himself in the collective responsibility for the failed appointment rather than placing the outcome solely on the departing coaches.

The 52-year-old moved into Livingston's sporting director role in February after more than five years as manager. During his wider spell as an assistant and manager, the club achieved three promotions and spent a club-record six consecutive seasons in Scotland's top flight. He has now made clear that, although he has missed coaching, he does not want to resume the Livingston head-coach job permanently.

Frankie McAvoy has joined Martindale in the interim coaching setup, with Grant Murray and Brian Potter also assisting. The arrangement gives Livingston experienced staff for the immediate period without changing the stated objective of hiring a new permanent head coach.

Chairman Calvin Ford said Martindale's previous success in the Championship made him the clear choice to steady the team. Ford also said the club intends to cast a wider net than in its previous search and use data analytics in the process. Martindale, meanwhile, said he will remain in charge for as long as the club needs him, but described his long-term future as being away from the Livingston dugout.