Marvin Bartley departs Queen of the South as former Hibs midfielder pays price for 'challenging campaign'

The 37-year-old former Bournemouth, Burnley, Hibernian and Livingston player took charge at Palmerston in January 2023 but has departed following a disappointing seventh-placed finish in cinch League One.

The news was announced immediately after Queens’ season concluded with a 3-2 defeat at Montrose on Saturday.

“With the season now coming to a conclusion, after what has been a challenging campaign, we have mutually agreed to part company with manager Marvin Bartley,” read a statement from the Dumfries club.

“We would like to pass on our thanks to Marvin for his efforts over the course of the season and wish him well for the future.”

Bartley, reflecting on the end of his first managerial job, told the Queens website: “We obviously wanted a successful season but it wasn’t meant to be for one reason or another including injuries.

“A young group will have improved and learned a lot this year and be better for it. This will allow the club a full summer to move forward. I would like to thank the coaching staff players, the Board, the fans and everyone at the club especially the volunteers for all their efforts during my time at the club.”