Livi set Friday deadline for head coach applicants

Livingston have set a formal closing date of Friday for applications to be their new head coach and say Scott Arfield is in talks over a player-coach role.

Arfield, 37, stepped in as interim player-head coach following Marvin Bartley's departure in early May. The midfielder oversaw a draw and two defeats after Livi's relegation to the Scottish Championship had already been confirmed.

"We can confirm that there has been a significant level of interest in the club's vacant head coach position, with a high volume of applications received from both domestic and international candidates," the club said.

David Martindale started the season as Livingston manager after sealing their immediate return to the top flight via the Premiership play-offs.

He moved into a sporting director role in early February and Bartley took charge for 11 games.

Bartley said he and assistant Neil Hastings felt they "had no option but to resign" after being asked to reapply for their positions with the club.

Arfield indicated he did not intend to apply for the job longer-term.

Livi have already started recruiting players for next season with winger Sam Nicholson, 31, and forward Tyrese Sinclair, 25, having agreed deals.