Bartley & Martindale set for reunion as Livingston host Stenhousemuir - watch on BBC Scotland

What the report says

Stenhousemuir manager Marvin Bartley is set to return to Livingston on Friday as his side face David Martindale’s club in a televised Scottish Championship match at Almondvale, shown on BBC Scotland. Bartley said he has not spoken to Martindale since leaving Livingston at the end of last season, when he and assistant Neil Hastings resigned after being asked to reapply for their roles. BBC Sport reports that the game will be the first league meeting between the two clubs this season.

Bartley, who took over at Stenhousemuir after Gary Naysmith left for Ayr United, said the fallout from his exit initially hurt him, but he now has his focus on his new job. He has also been in contact with Livingston chairman Calvin Ford, who sent him a supportive message after Stenhousemuir beat Livingston on penalties in the League Cup group stage. The article notes that Bartley previously worked in Livingston’s backroom staff before stepping up to manager earlier this year.

Stenhousemuir have started the season strongly and remain unbeaten in all competitions after nine matches, including a recent win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle and a League Cup victory against Premiership side Motherwell. Livingston have taken two wins and two defeats from their opening league games. The wider context is that part-time clubs rarely challenge near the top of the Championship, but Bartley says Stenhousemuir are aiming to meet their own goals while staying realistic about the challenge ahead.