Bartley in frame after Holt quits Livvy

MARVIN BARTLEY has emerged as the front-runner to take over at Livingston after Gary Holt dramatically quit as manager yesterday.

Holt steered the Lions to highly-creditable ninth and f i f th- place f i nishes i n the Premiership after succeeding playermanager Kenny Miller in August 2018.

But he was left contemplating his position following just three wins in 15 matches.

After Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by St Mirren, Holt publicly wondered if his players had grown tired of him and admitted: ‘Something has to change...’

Now he has become the first Premiership manager to depart his post this season, leaving the club four points clear of bottom side Hamilton — having played a game more.

Assistant manager and head of football operations David Martindale, aided by goalkeeping coach Tony Caig, will take interim charge for the Betfred Cup clash with Ayr United tomorrow. Martindale will meet with chairman Robert Wilson and chief executive John Ward on Monday to discuss the way forward.

But Sportsmail understands club captain Bartley is highly rated within the Tony Macaroni Arena. The 34-year- old (right) has made no secret of his desire to become a boss in his own right.

And, having been appointed reserve-team manager in September, he could now step up.

Last night, Martindale stressed that whoever comes in will be a ‘cog’ in an already-functioning machine.

‘You have to fit into the structure of the club,’ he said. ‘We have a more modern-day approach compared t o how i t has historically been in football. Continuity is key and getting the right person is important. In the past, a change of manager saw a change of coaches and players but that doesn’t happen here. You are a cog in the wheel, but it keeps turning if one changes. We don’t have any sense of panic.’ Livingston have struggled since the exits of Lyndon Dykes to QPR and Steven Lawless to Burton Albion. Ultimately, Martindale believes Holt became a victim of his own success in the previous two seasons. He added: ‘I said when Lyndon Dykes was sold to QPR that I was delighted for the club and for Lyndon but that it made our job that bit harder — and it has. We are a victim of our own success.’ In a statement issued by Livingston yesterday, Holt said: ‘This is not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel it is the right time for me to step away. I wish nothing but the best to everyone connected to the club for the future and hope there is a great deal more success to come.’