Promotion expert Steve Evans has emerged as a late runner in the race to become Dundee United manager.
The 55-year-old Scot has spent his entire managerial career in England, but would seriously consider heading north if he was offered the job at Tannadice.
Bookmaker Bet Victor has installed him as fifth favourite at 14/1.
And his track record must give the United board something to think about.
He got each of his first four clubs promoted at least once and although his current outfit Mansfield Town are mid-table in League Two, they are only five points off a play-off place.
Evans’ previous success eventually saw him appointed by Leeds in 2015, but with the club in turmoil behind the scenes he was sacked at the end of the following May.
His late entry to the race could count against him, as may the fact although he is Scottish and spent an injury-shortened playing career here, he’s been working down south for over 20 years.
A flamboyant character, after keeping Rotherham in the Championship he honoured a pledge to where a sombrero, flip-flops, beach shorts and a T-shirt to his team’s final game of the campaign, at Leeds.
With St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright dismissing talk of a move for him, Csaba Laszlo and John Hughes remain favourites to succeed Ray McKinnon in the Tannadice hotseat.
But for the fact he’s repeatedly ruled himself out of the running for a permanent appointment, caretaker boss Laurie Ellis would also be a strong candidate.
He led the team to a second win in a row with Saturday’s 2-1 success over Championship leaders St Mirren. It means United now only trail the Buddies on goal difference.
And Laurie was delighted with the impressive weekend performance that saw goals from Mark Durnan and Sam Stanton seal the points.
Despite a growing feeling among fans he should be given longer in charge, he was keen to give the players the credit.
“It’s the players who’ve done it. they are the ones who got the result,” he said.
“It’s about the guys who cover every blade of grass on the pitch.
“There’s a lot required in managing Dundee United and maybe an experienced head is what’s required.”
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