DAVID Hopkin has left his post as Livingston manager after deciding against renewing his contract.

The 47-year-old's stock has risen after leading the Lions to the Ladbrokes Premiership, his second promotion in two seasons. 

A club statement on Thursday morning confirmed the sought-after manager's departure.

It read: "David is aware of the speculation around other positions, and although he has been open and transparent and not accepted any other role at this time, he feels that the longer this continues the more it will undermine the success that he and the coaching staff have achieved.

"His decision is not the consequence of an unacceptable offer or budget, but is based purely on personal circumstances. Which we fully respect and acknowledge.

"The club has been assessing other candidates in the knowledge that David would potentially move on, and will take time to consider these options.

"In the meantime David Martindale will take charge of football affairs.

"We would like to put on record our deep gratitude for David’s efforts in guiding us back to the Premiership, and wish him well whatever the outcome of his future talks."

Hopkin joined Livi in December 2015 but couldn't prevent the club from sliding into League One.

However, he turned things around by winning the title in 2016/17 before finishing second in the Championship this season and seeing off Dundee United and Partick Thistle in the play-offs to seal a return to the top-flight.