Sam Stanton would back a Laurie Ellis appointment as Dundee United boss but knows the interim manager will need help from the players.
The midfielder played a huge part in Ellis’s previous successful spell as caretaker coach last year, scoring twice against Dumbarton in the first game and grabbing what turned out to be the winning goal against St Mirren in the second match.
Stanton, who is expected to return from a hernia injury to face Ayr United at Somerset Park this afternoon, has enjoyed working under Ellis for the past week following Csaba Laszlo’s departure.
He wouldn’t be unhappy should the club promote the man who has served as assistant to both Laszlo and Ray McKinnon but knows the players have to do their bit to boost his case.
Stanton said: “It has been good under Laurie this week.
“He took us for a bit when Ray left last year and did really well.
“The boys really like him and we all work hard for him so it has been good so far.
“The fact he has done the role before gives us a bit of confidence.
“It’s always easier when you have someone there who has taken the team before.
“I think all of the players would be behind that (his being named manager).
“As players I think you need to get behind whoever the club chooses to appoint and do your best for the club and yourself.
“But Laurie has the respect of the dressing room.
“He has been here for a long time – longer than most of the players.
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“He knows the club well, he knows the club better than a lot of people and I think that’s an advantage.
“The more people you have who know the club the better and he certainly does.
“There have been a few days like Sunday over the last year and a half – too many.
“As players it’s not nice for us but we have also been at fault for some of it and we have to accept that.
“This is a chance to go out and right a few of the wrongs.
“It’s a test of character now because we all know last week wasn’t good enough.”
Stanton wasn’t personally on the pitch against the Staggies as he was an unused substitute.
However, he sees himself as part of a group that really needs to make some amends for what was a shocking display.
He said: “This is a chance to get back on track again.
“Ayr are playing really well at the moment and had a big win last weekend so they’ll be high on confidence.
“But we see this as a perfect game to put a marker down once again.
“Things can turn around really quickly, especially in this league.
“There have been results this season that have left everyone scratching their heads. Anything can happen.
“So we’re just looking forward to getting back out there once again.”
United will be without the suspended Stewart Murdoch following his straight red card against County but Ellis will be expected to make more than just the one change given the circumstances.
