Livi squad left livid at board axe for gaffer

that a disintegration in the relationship between Miller and his assistant at the West Lothian club, David Martindale, played a major part in the former Scotland star being removed less than two months after taking over as player/manager.

Martindale is a controversial figure within Scottish football having been sentenced to six and a half years in prison in 2006 after being caught in the same undercover police operation that smashed one of Britain’s biggestever cocaine gangs.

Miller, who left Rangers in the summer after falling out with boss Graeme Murty, wanted to remain in his new job but made it clear to the Livingston board that it would be his judgment above all others – including Martindale.

But Martindale is understood to have wanted more of a say, which was the beginning of the end for Miller, and he will now take care of the first team on a temporary basis.

Craig Halkett, the Livingston captain (above), made it clear yesterday that the sacking of Miller had come as a shock.

He said: “I don’t think any of the boys were expecting it. As far as I was concerned, Kenny had come in and he was good, he had fresh ideas and everyone was enjoying it.

“Obviously the club just made the decision from their point of view and they never saw it the same as the players.

“That’s football. It’s quite a cut-throat industry and it’s all about opinions. The club had theirs and the players have theirs as well. All I can say is that I can’t speak highly enough of him and I’m sure he’ll go on to be a top, top manager.”