Former Livingston and Hibs ace Marvin Bartley named Stenhousemuir manager
Marvin Bartley named new Stenhousemuir boss as Gary Naysmith successor is found.
Former Livingston manager Marvin Bartley has been named as Gary Naysmith’s successor at Scottish Championship newcomers Stenhousemuir.
The 39-year-old was in charge of the Lions for a short spell last season, picking up nine points from 11 matches during his time at the helm. He departed relegated Livingston last month after feeling he had “no option but to resign” after being told to reapply for the top job in West Lothian.
And Bartley will now come up against Livingston in the second tier with the Warriors alongside Neil Hastings, who has also made the move to Ochilview Park as his assistant manager.
The ex-Hibs midfielder has managed 72 senior games, winning 24 and drawing 19. He was previously manager of Queen of the South before moving on to Livingston.
Current captain Gregor Buchanan, who has led the Warriors’ current crop to the Championship via the play-offs, will also join the new management team, sharing his playing duties with a coaching role.
A club statement read: “Stenhousemuir Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Marvin Bartley as First Team Manager on a full-time contract.
“Marvin arrives at Ochilview with a wealth of experience across the game, having enjoyed a distinguished playing career in England and Scotland before moving into coaching and management.
“As a player, the former midfielder represented clubs including AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, Leyton Orient, Hibernian and Livingston.
“During his time at Hibernian, Marvin was part of the squad that won the Scottish Cup in 2016 and later helped the Easter Road side secure promotion back to the Premiership.
“Following his move to Livingston in 2019, Marvin quickly became an influential figure both on and off the pitch, later being named club captain and leading the Lions out at Hampden in the Betfred Cup Final.
“After moving into coaching, he was appointed Livingston Assistant Manager in 2021 before taking his first managerial role with Queen of the South in January 2023.
“Marvin later returned to Livingston as Men’s First Team Coach in 2025, before taking charge as the Club’s manager during the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign. He departed the club in May alongside Neil Hastings.
“Marvin will be joined at Ochilview by Neil Hastings, who becomes Assistant Manager.
“Neil has worked closely with Marvin at Livingston, where he progressed from First Team Coach to Assistant Manager.
“A former Livingston player, Neil also gained managerial experience with Gala Fairydean Rovers before returning in a full-time coaching role.
“The Club can also confirm that captain Gregor Buchanan will take up a new role as Player Coach, while continuing his playing duties.
“Gregor has been a hugely influential figure since joining the Warriors from Dumbarton in May 2023.
“Installed as club captain shortly after his arrival, he led Stenhousemuir to the historic 2023/24 cinch League Two title, the first league championship in the club’s history, and has continued to set the standard on and off the pitch including in our recent promotion-winning campaign in 2025/26, guiding the club to the William Hill Championship.
“Everyone at Stenhousemuir Football Club is delighted to welcome Marvin and Neil to Ochilview, and we congratulate Gregor on his new role within the coaching staff.”
Earlier this week, Stenhousemuir confirmed that star winger Ross Taylor had joined second tier rivals Ayr United. An undisclosed fee was agreed between the clubs to ensure that the 22-year-old could make the step up to full time football.