Livingston boss David Martindale admitted he needed more experience in the dugout after Brian Rice joined the club as a first-team coach.
The experienced Whitburn man left his role as boss at SPFL League One side Alloa Athletic to join the Lions, and was part of the coaching staff during their 2-0 home loss to Rangers on Sunday.
The 60-year-old is a highly respected coach, having worked at the likes of Dundee United and Hibs prior to being handed his first managerial role in 2019 at Hamilton Accies.
He left two years later before getting back into the dugout with Alloa in February last year.
Martindale confessed he was a welcome addition to the back room team after they had parted ways with Christophe Berra at the end of last season.
Livi had been working with just assistant manager Neil Hastings and goalkeeping coach Gary Maley alongside Martindale.
The gaffer said: “I’m delighted that Brian Rice has agreed to come on board as a first-team coach.
“I felt as coaching staff, we have been spread very thin this season since losing Christophe at the end of last season. I spoke to (CEO) Dave Black and asked him to try to find a way to allow me to bring in another coach to help us going forward.
“Brian brings a wealth of experience and contacts to our group and I feel that will be a huge help going forward.
“I’ve known him for a number of years, mainly from being in opposite dugouts and spending time together after games.
“But every game I do go to watch, you can bet that Brian is there watching also – he does a huge number of miles in a season and has a great bank of knowledge on opponents and players from all over the UK.”
Martindale added: “He will be a real positive step forward for the club.
“I would like to give thanks to Dave Black, (chairman) John Ward and (owner) John McIlvogue for helping get
the funds together to bring Brian in.
“I would also like to thank Alloa Athletic who were incredibly helpful during this process since the moment we reached out.”
The defeat to Rangers saw the Lions lose five successive top flight games for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
They are now on an international break before returning with a trip to face St Mirren on November 25.
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