Neil McCann is taking hope from Sir Alex Ferguson’s rescue act at Manchester United as he battles to save his own job at Dundee.
The 44-year-old has lost seven games on the bounce and faces the looming threat of the sack if he can not halt that run when the Dark Blues travel to Hamilton on Saturday.
But McCann believes one win could turn his fortunes around, just as it did for Ferguson back in January 1990 when a Mark Robins goal for United against Nottingham Forest is widely believed to have spared him the axe.
Ferguson lived to fight another day, going on to become one of British football’s most decorated managers as he guided United to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League crowns and a pair of Champions League titles.
No-one is betting on McCann going on to enjoy similar success but he would settle for three points at Accies and another week to work on his struggling side.
He said: “You are looking all the time to try and arrest your season. It’s been a poor one so far with the results.
“But there are numerous examples [of teams turning their seasons around] out there. Look at Crystal Palace last season – they had no wins in their first seven then went and finished 11th.
“The great Sir Alex Ferguson was very close to losing his job then went on to become if not the best, then one of the very best managers our country has produced.
“But we need to do what’s respective to us and that is to get ourselves points that is going to reinforce my belief in the side.
“And I think it can be as simple as that, that one result is all it takes.
“It just eliminates that tension that we are playing under right now. I really hope we get it tomorrow but they have to go earn it. It could take a bit of luck or a decision that goes in our favour, which we haven’t had too many of this season.
“It could take an inspirational moment from one of our very good players.
“If we can pull it all together then I’d love to have one of those moments where you’re sitting there in the dressing room with three points as it is what we work hard all week for.”
Dundee managing director John Nelms admitted this week that the situation under McCann this term had grown “very concerning”.
But McCann said: “I haven’t had conversations about my job. Until that happens I continue to do my best and give 100 per cent effort.
“If John’s been asked to give an opinion then he’s a very honest man. He will say what he feels.
“I’ve got a great relationship with him so I’m not surprised or bothered by it in any shape or form. I’ll just continue to do my job.”