While the search for their new manager will not stop until a suitable candidate is identified, Dundee United’s main focus for the next 48 hours is on Saturday’s vital Championship trip to Ayr United.
Since Sunday when Csaba Laszlo’s departure was confirmed and his No 2 Laurie Ellis was put in charge of the first team, there has been no comment from Tannadice about the vacant post.
While work to compile a list of potential new bosses has been taking place, it’s clear chairman Mike Martin and his board are not going to be rushed into an appointment.
And it could be next week, at the earliest, before any formal interviews take place, though contact with the likes of former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson and ex-Ross County gaffer Jim McIntyre has been made.
As the Tele revealed on Monday, Ellis is also a serious contender and a result against the surprise league leaders this weekend would be a major boost to his chances.
While it can be taken as read he’s spoken to his chairman about the way ahead, the interim boss’ attention is on preparing the team for Somerset Park.
His first task has been to lift them after last Saturday’s 5-1 home mauling at the hands of Ross County that proved to be the final straw for Laszlo’s time in charge.
After such a poor performance last weekend, Ellis also faces important decisions when it comes to team selection, though that’s nothing new to him.
This time last year he found himself in an almost identical position, taking charge for a vital couple of games after Ray McKinnon was sacked.
As he steered the team to victories over Dumbarton and leaders St Mirren to get United back to the top of the Championship, the 38-year-old showed a willingness to make changes to both personnel and tactics.
On Saturday that could see starting places for fit-again pair Billy King and Sam Stanton.
There’s no question the caretaker boss would also like to have captain Fraser Fyvie back in his XI but after his long lay-off after knee surgery at the start of the year, his involvement is likely to continue to be from the bench for a few more games.
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