NEW Dumbarton gaffer Ian Murray is confident that his relationship with assistant Jack Ross can quickly flourish as the duo attempt to save the club's season.

The ex-Rangers and Scotland defender was last week named as Alan Adamson's successor at the Bet Butler Stadium, ending Ross's spell as interim manager.

Instead of opting for one of his tried-and-trusted allies to take on the role of his No.2, Murray has convinced Ross to stay on at the Sons.

With Dumbarton rooted to the foot of the Irn-Bru First Division, the duo have a huge task on their hands to rescue the club from relegation, but the new gaffer hopes they can soon discover that winning feeling.

He said: "I did have a couple of names in mind in case Jack didn't want to stay at the club for whatever reason.

"I know he has a demanding job with the PFA, but my thoughts were always to speak with Jack and if he wanted to stay on then great.

"We don't know each other particularly well, but sometimes that chemistry can grow quickly when you work with someone closely.

"The early signs are good and we are getting on pretty well. At the same time, I was always going to respect his decision if he didn't want to stay on and be part of the management team.

"I am glad that he is around. I am comfortable with the situation. We're both a similar age and he was playing in the SPL not that long ago at a high level.

"He is an intelligent guy and he has great knowledge of the team and the club, so I am getting a great assistant."

While Murray's appointment brings an end to Dumbarton's search for a new boss, the 31-year-old is unlikely to be the only fresh face at the Bet Butler Stadium this winter.

Rather than taking to the field in the Sons' reserve clash with Ayr United, the ex-Hibernian captain ran the rule over his Sons squad at training last night.

Murray said: "There is no doubt we do need players and that is no disrespect to the guys we have got.

"I said to them that if they make a point between now and January it means I don't need to go and sign players and I will be delighted. There are players we are trying to get.

"We have been knocked back on a couple already but we will keep trying. We need to get the right ones and be within budget.

"We can give young players from the SPL a platform to play in a competitive league and if they can give us a return then great."

The former Rangers defender will kick off his managerial career against Hamilton Accies in the William Hill Scottish Cup this weekend. However, it is in the First Division where results will really count if he is going to make a success of his first post as gaffer.

The Sons have just five points to their credit from 13 games in the league this season, and the new Rock boss will demand total commitment from his players as they fight for survival.

He said: "The league doesn't lie, especially after 13 games. We are where we are.

"We have to do our best to get ourselves up the league. We are seven points adrift of Airdrie at the moment and that is who we are chasing.

"We feel we have got a decent side, but individual errors are costing us just now, our goals-against column is alarming.

"On Saturday at Dunfermline, the boys did really well but it was the same old story and they ran out 4-0 winners.

"I have spoken to the players and told them that if they do their best and work hard then I can't ask much more. When we are not applying ourselves correctly, we'll have a problem."