Lions seek new gaffer as Hopkin moves on

Livingston manager David Hopkin has left the club after deciding not to renew his contract.

The former Leeds and Chelsea midfielder led the Lions to successive promotions and back into the Ladbrokes Premiership after a 12-year absence. However, his future at the club was uncertain despite guiding them to a playoff win over Partick Thistle to clinch a return to the top flight.

He has regularly been linked with a move to England, with Shrewsbury, Carlisle and Bradford mentioned, while St Mirren are also looking for a new manager.

The former Scotland international, who was on a one-year deal with the club, decided not to renew his contract, leaving assistant David Martindale to take temporary charge.

A statement on the club website said: “Livingston FC, after a discussion with David Hopkin, has this morning accepted that he will not be renewing his contract as the club’s manager.

“David is aware of the speculation around other positions and, although he has been open and transparent and not accepted any other role at this time, he feels that the longer this continues the more it will undermine the success that he and the coaching staff have achieved.

“His decision is not the consequence of an unacceptable offer or budget, but is based purely on personal circumstances which we fully respect and acknowledge.

“The club has been assessing other candidates in the knowledge that David would potentially move on, and will take time to consider these options.”

Picture: SNS. David Hopkin has left Livingston.