THE SHORTLIST
Skelton and Holt lead the way as Livi look for new boss after Miller’s surprise departure
Gary Holt and Gavin Skelton are believed to be the frontrunners to replace Kenny Miller as Livingston manager.
The 38-year-old’s brief stint as playermanager with the Premiership club was brought to an end on Sunday after just seven weeks with both parties saying the former Scotland striker was unwilling to retire as a player to focus solely on his managerial role. Courier Sport understands that both Holt and Skelton, who were believed to be on the shortlist prior to Miller’s appointment, are the preferred options. However assistant boss David Martindale and goalkeeping coach Tony Caig are likely to take the team for Saturday’s clash away to St Mirren with the new manager expected to be in place early next week meaning they could be in the dugout for the home clash against Hibernian on September 1. And, in a strange twist of fate, Miller could be in the St Mirren line-up against the Lions at the weekend with Buddies boss Alan Stubbs interested in bringing the veteran striker on board, having missed out on him in the summer. Miller’s seven week stay as player-boss saw him take charge of just seven games — only two of which were in the league — tallying a record of three wins, two draws and two defeats. He also netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Betfred Cup group victory over Annan Athletic, which proved to be his only goal for the club. A club statement issued on Monday read: “Livingston Football Club has been in discussions over the weekend with Kenny Miller and his representatives.
“The club felt that the player-manager role wasn’t working and had requested that Kenny reverted to the role of full-time manager.
“Kenny, however, feels that he isn’t ready to give up his playing career at this time.
“As a result, the club and Kenny have amicably agreed to part company. Livingston Football Club would like to thank Kenny for his honesty and openness, and wish him well for the future.”
Miller’s agent also released a statement, adding: “A quick statement to confirm that Kenny Miller will be leaving Livingston FC with immediate effect.
“Kenny’s desire to continue his playing career and Livingston’s desire for a full-time manager mean both parties will part ways amicably.
“Kenny would like to place on record his thanks to each and every one of the playing staff who gave him everything they had in the time he had with them.”
The striker’s contract included a twomonth probationary period which could see the deal terminated or re-negotiated by either party.
One candidate who has ruled himself out of the running is David Hopkin, the man Miller replaced in the Livingston hotseat.
Hopkin guided the Lions to consecutive promotions before turning down the offer of a new contract in the summer to pursue other options.
Despite rejecting the Carlisle United job and being in the running for other vacancies in both England and Scotland, the 48-year-old remains without a club, however he has told Courier Sport that he will not be returning to the Tony Macaroni Arena.