Championship newcomers Stenhousemuir appoint Bartley

Marvin Bartley has been appointed Stenhousemuir manager and will come up against former club Livingston next month.

The Englishman, 39, replaces Gary Naysmith, who had agreed to join Ayr United before sealing Stenny’s promotion to the Scottish Championship via the play-offs.

Bartley left Livi after their relegation from the Premiership, saying he and assistant Neil Hastings felt they “had no option but to resign” after being asked to reapply for their positions. Hastings will assist Bartley at Ochilview.

Former Hibernian and Livingston player Bartley had rejoined the West Lothian club as first-team coach and was promoted to manager in February following David Martindale’s move into a sporting director role.

Overall, Bartley has managed 72 senior games, winning 24 and drawing 19.

Meanwhile, captain Gregor Buchanan becomes player-coach with Stenhousemuir, who will be playing second-tier football for the first time since 1975.

Prior to that, Stenny will meet Forfar Athletic, Brechin City, Partick Thistle and Livi in the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup.