Ellis ready for emotional day

Published on 14/07/2012 02:19

Raith Rovers defender Laurie Ellis admits he will struggle to hold back the tears when he faces boyhood heroes Hearts in his testimonial today.

The Stark’s Park stalwart is being honoured with the game for his decade-long service – over three spells – to Raith.

Ellis, who is now also the club’s first-team coach under player/manager Grant Murray following John McGlynn’s recent switch to Hearts, said: “It will be great on Saturday, it will be emotional but I’m looking forward to it..

“This is my third spell at the club and during that time I’ve had many highs. I’ve won the Second Division twice and we got to the Scottish Cup semi-final.

“I managed to score the winner in the quarter-final against Dundee at a packed Raith Rovers end. That was special and I’ve got photographs of that day to remind me.

“We had a great run in the First Division a couple of seasons back and we just missed out on winning the league.”

McGlynn takes charge of Hearts for the first time back at his old club and Ellis wants his former manager to be part of his big day.

He added: “It’s great that John is coming back for it as well. You could not have written it. I’m keen for him to enjoy the day as well. I know he wants the focus to be on my day but I’m keen for him to have a part to play in it.

“I want the fans to be able to give their thanks to him because the base and stability he has given the club from his five-and-a-half years here is just fantastic. It’s good for everyone to thank him and it’s fitting it’s his first game as Hearts manager.”