Bartley on contract talks, survival mission & Hearts test
Livingston boss Marvin Bartley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to welcome league leaders Hearts on Sunday. Here are the main points: Looking back on the 2-0 defeat at Kilmarnock before the break, Bartley says "the end product in certain situations let us down" but admits "the lads took accountability" for their mistakes in that game. Livingston currently occupy the bottom spot in the Premiership, 12 points behind Killie above them with seven games to play and Bartley stresses "every game was massive when I came in as manager and nothing's changed.
" But the boss knows "our focus can only be on Sunday against Hearts, if you start looking beyond that you find yourself in massive trouble. " While Bartley knows he's got a talented squad, he stresses "better teams have been relegated, it doesn't matter what you are on paper" adding "nobody's too good to go down and come the end of the season where you are is where you deserve to be. " Bartley took over from David Martindale earlier this season but his contract is due to expire at the end of this campaign and Bartley admits "we need clarity on that, that's something I've spoken to the club about".
When asked if he'd like to stay in West Lothian, Bartley says "of course, I love it here" but stresses "my main focus is on Sunday but of course I want to stay on but it's something that needs to be sorted out and sorted out quickly". On the visit of league leaders Hearts, Bartley admits "their pressure is very different to ours". And with several players, such as Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, getting back to full fitness Bartley says "whatever Hearts teams is out there will be extremely strong" adding "we have to be at our best".
Bartley admits the title challengers have "surprised everyone" adding "they deserve massive, massive praise" for their achievements this term. The Edinburgh club are bringing 7000 supporters to Livingston and Bartley says "as a footballer you want to play in front of a full house" adding "you have to use that energy to your advantage and inspire you to go out and perform. " Team news: everyone is available, Aiden Denholm has trained for the last few weeks and just needs the all clear.