Former Norwich City midfielder Gary Holt has made the decision to resign as manager of Livington with “great regret” after a disappointing start to the Scottish Premiership season.

The 47-year-old took over at Livi in August 2018, a couple of years after leaving his role as coach under Alex Neil after Norwich were relegated from the Premier League.

Holt managed to avoid relegation trouble in his first season in charge and then an impressive finish of fifth last season, which included a 2-0 home win over champions Celtic.

However, just three wins from the first 15 games of the current campaign has seen the former Scotland international step down, following a 1-0 home defeat to St Mirren on Saturday.

“It is with great regret that I have made the difficult decision to resign as manager of Livingston FC,” Holt said in a statement.

“This is not a decision that I have taken lightly but feel it is the right time for me to step away. I am proud to say the work we have done over the past two years has resulted in great success both on and off the pitch.

"The progression the club has seen has been remarkable to be part of and last season’s fifth-place finish was one of many highlights.

“I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to the club, fans and players for all their support during my tenure.

“I wish nothing but the best to everyone connected to the club for the future and hope there is a great deal more success to come.”

MORE: Gary ‘Three Lungs’ Holt was a man for all seasons at Norwich City

The former Falkirk boss made 182 appearances for the Canaries between 2001 and 2005, being named Player of the Season in 2002 and cutting his coaching teeth in the academy ranks. He returned to Norfolk in 2014 as part of Neil Adams’ coaching staff.

Livingston’s head of football operations David Martindale, who has taken charge of the team alongside coach Tony Caig, said: “Gary has been tremendous for the club over the past few seasons and we have all enjoyed working with him on and off the park.

“It’s very rare in football these days that all parties come out the other end with their relationships firmly intact however, I can honestly say this is the case with Gary’s resignation.

“It’s been a tough season and we are probably a victim of our own success in comparison to last season, which ultimately raised everyone’s expectations including players along with all staff at the club. So, when we don’t quite hit those heights again it can feel like something needs to change and I totally understand Gary’s thought process.

“Gary can leave Livingston knowing he has left us in a better place than when he arrived. Has Gary helped improve Livingston FC? That’s a simple one to answer – 100 percent yes.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club in wishing Gary nothing but success and I hope his positivity and energy isn’t lost to the game for too long.”