Davie Hay has been linked with a move to Hibernian

Hay was reacting angrily to suggestions by Flynn that Preston is the mastermind behind the CIS Cup winners.

"He said Allan Preston was the real driving force in this team, which was a load of codswallop - and you can ask Allan Preston about that," said Hay.

"If he wants to make changes, just make them. Don't start spouting rubbish."

There have even been suggestions that Preston has only been assistant in name, with Billy Kirkwood being Hay's real right-hand man this season.

However, Preston was at the weekend touted as a top boss of the future by Paul Sturrock, the new Southampton manager, with whom he worked at St Johnstone.

Flynn has said that he had come to his decision after making soundings at City Stadium.

But club captain Stuart Lovell has also criticised the move, saying that he and other players hoped that Hay would be boss again next season.

Hay has been tipped as one of the favourites to be given the manager's job at Scottish Premier League rivals Hibernian and admits that Flynn's comments have increased his likely interest should an approach be made.

Keane threat to Livi bid

Flynn had hoped to persuade Hay, who had been general manager until returning to coaching following the sacking of Massimo Maximo earlier in the season, to remain at Livingston in another role.

Former chairman Dominic Keane has also been critical of Flynn's decision to axe Hay and said it could reduce his willingness to come to an agreement over his 75% stake in the club.

Administrators Kroll last week gave Flynn's Lionheart consortium preferred bidder status, but an agreement from Keane is required before a deal can be finalised.

Keane has expressed surprise that negotiations have not yet begun with Lionheart, although they say that they have been trying to contact the former chairman.

Livi have until 31 May to begin the process of coming out of administration to avoid starting next season with a 10-point penalty.