David Martindale cannot understand concerns from Livingston fans over his dugout return.
But he stressed it was not his choice and will not be a long-term role.
Martindale became interim head coach after Glenn Whelan and assistant Danny Ventre were sacked on Sunday after taking six points from the opening five William Hill Championship matches.
Chairman Calvin Ford revealed Martindale’s track record made the decision “easy” as he warned that “mediocrity is not an acceptable solution”.
Martindale was appointed sporting director in February after more than five years as manager, with Livi on their way to relegation.
When asked about the dugout change, Martindale said in a club video: “It wasn’t a decision that was made from the footballing department, but we do understand why it was made. It’s a results business.
“We’ve now got a very well-run football club with a board that invest in the club and care about the club. And at the end of the day, they’re the people that will make the big decisions.
“We had our opinions, but I don’t want to sit here and talk about (it) if I’m really, really honest.”
Martindale added: “We’ve started a rigorous recruitment process, trying to change how we’ve done it previously, and trying to get a wee bit smarter with that.
“But Glenn and Danny lost their jobs, and I’ve let them down as well. We’ve let them down. And again, we’re all in this together.
“Bring the head coach and coach in, when it doesn’t work or it’s perceived not to be working, it doesn’t necessarily all fall on them. So I think it’s important that we know that, we realise that.
“But it’s football, it’s results-driven. Where we’re sitting in the league is not acceptable. Three (defeats) out of five is not acceptable. But we are where we are, and we need to look forward.”
During Martindale’s spell as both assistant and manager, Livi enjoyed three promotions and a club record six consecutive seasons in the top flight.
When asked if he understood fans’ concerns about him being back in charge of the team, Martindale said: “I don’t understand the concerns. I don’t know what the concerns are. I feel my track record should suggest that there shouldn’t be any concerns.
“But what I will say is this isn’t through choice. I’m not doing this for me. I know I will not be in this dugout long term.
“I do not want to be in the dugout long term, and I’ll put that on record.
“I miss coaching, I love coaching, but the long-term coach at Livingston’s not going to be David Martindale.
“So I’ll do this as long as I’m asked, as long as I’m needed to.
“I miss coaching, but I think that ship has sailed at Livingston in all honesty.
“I’ve had a couple of messages saying ‘congratulations on the demotion’. Kind of explains it well, doesn’t it?”
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