Stenhousemuir boss Marvin Bartley says he has not been in contact with Livingston sporting director David Martindale since resigning from the West Lothian club at the end of last season.
The sides meet for the first time in the Scottish Championship on Friday night, live on BBC Scotland.
In May, Bartley and assistant Neil Hastings said they felt compelled to step down after being asked to reapply for their roles at Livingston.
The former Hibernian, Livingston and Bournemouth midfielder had taken the reins at Almondvale in January, moving up from the backroom team after Martindale assumed a new post.
“I haven’t seen or spoken to Davie since I left,” Bartley said, noting both had a hectic summer, particularly with player recruitment.
Since departing, Bartley has been in touch with Livingston chairman Calvin Ford, who sent a warm message after Stenhousemuir knocked Livi out on penalties in the League Cup group stage at Ochilview.
Although the manner of his exit was painful at the time, the 40-year-old is thriving with part-time Stenny, who remain unbeaten in nine games across all competitions this season.
“I was hurt in the days after it happened, but now my focus is entirely on Stenhousemuir,” he said. “I was really shocked initially, but as more people told me they weren’t surprised, it made me realise I might have been a bit naive and took things at face value.
“I don’t have any lingering feelings about it now. It’s just another chapter, and I’m concentrating on doing the best I can for Stenhousemuir.”