Jim Jefferies hopes Neil McCann can take a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s book and dig out a win when it is needed most this weekend.
McCann is to remain in charge of Dundee for Saturday’s trip to face Hamilton Accies but will be fully aware he desperately requires a victory with his job firmly on the line.
Managing director John Nelms has claimed the Dark Blues are in a “false position” but has confessed their current form is “very concerning” after losing all six of their Premiership matches to date.
Jefferies signed McCann for Hearts as a player and helped the 44-year-old’s fledgling coaching career when he took him under his wing at Dunfermline.
And the Hearts legend insists McCann should take inspiration from the way Sir Alex staved off the sack at Manchester United with one win against Nottingham Forest in 1990 to spark an iconic managerial career.
He said: “I’ve known Neil for a long time, from the tremendous time he had as a player, and when I was at Dunfermline he phoned me up and talked about getting into coaching.
“I told him I didn’t have any money but if he wanted to come in and build up some experience then he could join us.
“Obviously he had great connections with Dundee so it was no surprise when he went back there, but it’s been a struggle for him.
“When I read he was going to be in charge for Saturday I thought it was similar to Sir Alex Ferguson when he first started out at Man United.
“Because he managed to get a result when he really needed one, and he went on to become one of the best managers there has ever been. I’m not saying Neil’s going to be that, but he has a scenario on Saturday where he has another chance.
“And if he gets a result it could be the wee turning point that he needs.
“I know he’s a very, very passionate guy and he’ll work his socks off. He has his way of doing things and he’s so determined to make a go of it.
“Neil will know himself it’s all about results. He’s had a few bad ones and they’ve stuck by him, but I’m just hoping he can turn it around against Hamilton.
“It’s just a game like this one that can change things, give them a wee shot in the arm, a lift and a boost in confidence.”
Jefferies added: “Reading between the lines, it seems they’ve been unlucky or played well for parts of games.
“But confidence is a big thing and when your confidence is low it’s difficult to get it back up.
“What he really needs is to go to Hamilton and win and then follow that up with another win, and that will give them the belief that they can go on.
“But, for that to happen, the players also need to step up to the plate and put in a performance for their manager and for the club.”
