Gregory Tade admits he is still stunned that his former mentor will not be in the home dug-out when St Johnstone play at Tynecastle.
John McGlynn took the Frenchman under his wing when he arrived as a raw youngster at Raith Rovers and Tade confesses he owes him a big debt of gratitude for nurturing his career.
So, when he discovered that Hearts had parted company with the manager last week, he quickly sent McGlynn a message of condolence.
The Saints striker said: “It was a big shock when I heard the news about John. One of the lads told me when I went back to McDiarmid Park last week that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent.
“I was stunned and sad for him as well. He is a great manager and a great person too. It is a big blow for him and I really feel for him.
“He is a big Hearts fan and he was very happy when he got that job. I texted him to give him my regards and just to send him a few kind words as he played a big part in my career when I was at Raith Rovers.
“That was my first big crack at full-time football and he gave me the security of a two-year contract. He took the time to work with me, to make me a better player and make me understand the game better.
“I wasn’t a centre-forward when I joined Raith I was playing out wide but he had the vision for me to play up front.”
Tade added: “I am the player I am now thanks to him. I am sure I frustrated him at times but he always believed in me even when I hit a very rough patch when I was mentally down.
“He took the time to talk to me and tell me everything was going to be fine. So he was a big help to me even with settling in at the club and finding a flat.
“He really helped me with everything. Those type of people you don’t forget in your life and especially in your career.
“So it was only normal for me to give him a bit of support. Times like this are always hard but I do not think he deserved what happened to him.
In recent games, Saints manager Steve Lomas has started Tade on the bench, often bringing him and Nigel Hasselbaink on in the second half when their pace can cause headaches for tiring defences.
Although the striker accepts his boss’s decision, he insists he does not want to be cast in the role of “supersub”.
He said: “Of course I am frustrated.
“I am a football player and I do not like to be on the bench but I trust in the manager and if he believes that he will start me as a substitute and then call on me later in the game, then I have to respect his decision.
“I cannot dwell on that, though, and I just have to continue to work hard and remember that when I start games someone else is on the bench and they aren’t very happy too. I’m no different from anybody else.
“For much of my career, I have been first choice for my team but now I am down the pecking order but that is OK.
“I just have to bite my tongue, wait for my time and do what I can do to get back and become first choice again.”
Saints are still kicking themselves after throwing away a 2-1 lead against 10-man Dundee last week to only draw at Dens Park and Tade insists that, with so much still to play for this season, they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
He said: “We lost two goals and threw the game away.
“Now every match is must-win for us if we want to realise our goal. We have to be professional, go about our business and get the three points.
“Tynecastle is a hard venue. The league is really tight this season and there is still a lot up for grabs.
“I was asked the other day whether I thought a Highland team could end up second in the league and it is certainly possible.
“So why not us? I did mention it at the start of the season that our objective should be to finish in the top three and even finish second.
Saints vice-captain Murray Davidson returns after suspension buton-loan QPR midfielder Michael Doughty is ruled out by a combination of illness and bereavement.