Author Val McDermid has taken a cheeky swipe at the former manager of her beloved Raith Rovers while offering Dundee United a piece of managerial advice.
United are currently searching for a new boss after sacking Ray McKinnon following a mediocre start to the season.
One of the names at the top of the bookies’ odds is former Rovers manager, John “Yogi” Hughes, who was helpless as the club dropped into League One in May.
Crime writer McDermid stepped down from the Starks Park board earlier this month, citing increasing professional commitments, but retains a keen interest, as a tweet sent out on Sunday shows.
Responding to a suggestion that current United assistant and Rovers legend Laurie Ellis would be a better fit than Hughes, she stated: “Heaven help you if you get Yogi”.
Heaven help you if you get Yogi. https://t.co/rAB5ja9pOA
— Val McDermid (@valmcdermid) October 29, 2017
She went on to outline her feelings:
Continually slagging off the players in the media was incredibly destructive. No ability to create team spirit and positive attitude. https://t.co/OeZLfcwvO8
— Val McDermid (@valmcdermid) October 29, 2017
And to the suggestion from one fan that a Hughes appointment “fills me with dread” she said:
I think that’s a reasonable response… https://t.co/hw3weZCxyN
— Val McDermid (@valmcdermid) October 29, 2017
Hughes took up the reins at Starks Park when Gary Locke left but could not stop them plummeting down the league, famously lambasting his players for their lack of desire after a 5-0 defeat to St Mirren. They were eventually relegated following a play-off defeat by Brechin.