Livingston today confirmed they had parted company with Kenny Miller after the former Scotland striker declined the give up playing to concentrate fully on management.
The West Lothian club revealed in a statement on their official website that they grown concerned over the effectiveness of the player/manager role.
Officials at the promoted outfit had asked the 38-year-old, who was appointed back in June, to reconsider his position.
However, the 69-times capped striker was unprepared to call time on his 20 year playing career and has moved on after just seven weeks and seven games.
The statement read: “Livingston Football Club has been in discussions over the weekend with Kenny Miller and his representatives.
“The club felt that the player-manager role wasn’t working and had requested that Kenny reverted to the a full-time manager’s role.
“Kenny however feels that he isn’t ready to give up his football career at this time. As a result, the club and Kenny have amicably agreed to part company.
“Livingston Football Club would like to thank Kenny for his honesty and openness, and wish him well for the future.”
The former Hibernian, Rangers, Wolves, Derby County, Celtic and Cardiff City player led the Almondvale club to the top of their Betfred Cup qualifying section after succeeding David Hopkin.
Livingston defeated Airdrieonians, Annan Athletic, Berwick Rangers and beat Hamilton Academical in a penalty shoot-out.
They lost to Scottish champions Celtic at Parkhead in their opening Ladbrokes Premiership game earlier this month and then drew 0-0 with Kilmarnock. They lost 1-0 to Motherwell in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup on Saturday.
Miller, who left Rangers in the summer after being suspended over an alleged altercation in the wake of the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic, had expressed confidence he could combine playing with managing when he was appointed.
“There are going to be bumps along the road, there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” he said. “Until you make the step, it’s a step into the unknown. I will learn in the job. In a month or two I’ll be more familiar with what is required and what the job entails.
“Everyone chooses a path. To come to a club in the Premiership for my first manager’s job was huge while still being able to play and help the lads on that field of play was a big part of the decision.
“We will work out how it’s going to work over the coming weeks. I may be on the field more often than not hopefully. Getting someone else into help will be dis-cussed.
“It’s the next stage of football isn’t it? I’ve always seen myself as a manager. I want to be in charge. I want to be the very best. So this is the opportunity to take that first step.
“Will it be hard. Of course it will. But every manager’s job is hard, there are a lot of things to do for different reasons, different pressures, different expectations.
“Every manager that’s in a position will feel the strain at some time and I’ll be no different. It’s about how you deal with that and how you manage it. Will we go through tough spells? I’m sure we will, but as long as we can keep that belief."
Former Falkirk manager and Norwich assistant Gary Holt along with ex-Queen of the South player/manager Gavin Skelton are in the running to replace Miller at Livingston.
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