Sacked Dundee manager Paul Hartley is convinced he would have kept the Dens Park club in the Premiership.
The former Dark Blues boss has issued a statement in the wake of today’s dismissal, speaking of his pride at the club’s achievements in his time in charge.
He insisted that he would have turned a free-falling season around but also said he respected the board’s decision to terminate his contract.
He said: “I’m disappointed not to have been given the chance to see out the remainder of the season because I firmly believe we would have retained our SPFL Premiership status.
“I was confident we would have moved up the league table as there are some excellent players in the dressing-room, led by captain Darren O’Dea.
“However, I respect the decision made by the Dundee FC board and would like to wish everyone success in the final five games of the campaign.
“I’m very proud of what I achieved at Dundee since I was appointed manager in February, 2014.
“We won promotion to the SPFL top flight and we finished in the top six. There is no doubt I’m leaving the club in a far stronger position now from when I first joined.
“I want to thank all my backroom staff, who have been a pleasure to work with and gave me unswerving support, and also thank all the people who work at the club behind the scenes.
“I’ve met a lot of good people over the years at Dens Park and leave with a lot of happy memories.
“Finally, I wish the club well in the future and look forward to my next challenge in management.”