Martindale interim boss as Livingston dismiss Whelan after nine games

What the report says

Livingston have dismissed Glenn Whelan after only nine matches in charge, ending the former Republic of Ireland international’s first senior managerial role. The decision comes less than four months after he was appointed in May, following the club’s relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

According to BBC Sport Football, David Martindale will return to the head coach position on an interim basis. Frankie McAvoy will join him in the coaching setup, with Grant Murray and Brian Potter also assisting. Livingston’s American owner and chairman, Calvin Ford, said the club intends to widen its search for a permanent manager and place greater emphasis on data analytics in the hiring process.

Whelan’s record included two wins and three defeats in the Scottish Championship, leaving Livingston fifth in the table, along with two wins and two draws in the Premier Sports Cup. The club also lost 1-0 away to Stenhousemuir on Friday, a result that added pressure to his short tenure.

Martindale previously spent six years as Livingston manager before moving into a sporting director role in January. BBC Sport Football’s report suggests the club now hopes the temporary return of a familiar figure will steady results while it looks for a long-term replacement.