Former Raith Rovers and Dundee United assistant manager Laurie Ellis has taken on the post as No.2 to Gary Naysmith at Queen of the South.
Ellis who reached agreement with the Tannadice club yesterday to end his spell as a coach takes over from Dougie Anderson who has moved to the Scottish FA.
Ellis joined United in the summer of 2016 as part of Ray McKinnon’s backroom staff and he stepped into a caretaker management role McKinnon was dismissed in October 2017.
The 39-year-old took on a similar role when Csaba Laszlo left the club in September of last year however it was revealed in January that he would be leaving at the end of this season after new manager Robbie Nielson brought in Gordon Forrest.
United announced yesterday that they had severed ties with Ellis and that allowed him to move to the Dumfries club.
Naysmith said: “I have been keen to bring Lawrie in ever since I knew Dougie was leaving however we had to be patient. We have got him now and I am delighted to bring someone in who knows this league so well.
“Laurie is not someone that I have worked with before, but he has always impressed me whenever I have been in his company. He is enthusiastic, energetic and a very knowledgeable football person who loves to be on the training ground coaching the players.
“He is someone that I believe the players will enjoy working under and I am sure that both the players and I will benefit from Laurie’s arrival at the club.”
United sporting director Tony Asghar said: “As we continue to review all areas of the club and put in place our plans for the long-term vision, we have for Dundee United, Laurie leaves with our thanks for his effort and commitment during his near three seasons at Tannadice and our best wishes for his future coaching career.”
Ellis added: “I am proud and honoured to have played a role at Dundee United.
“It is a fantastic club that has the potential to be in the Premiership and while I wish that could have been achieved in my time here, I wish everyone at United all the best in their pursuit of promotion.
“I now look forward to the next stage in my career at Queen of the South.”
