As a player he was known for his attacking flair, his ability to excite fans, to make and take chances.
And as a manager he wants to see attractive football that produces wins on a consistent basis.
But Dundee United gaffer Ray McKinnon admits few stats in his career have pleased him more than the one that shows his team have currently gone five-and-a-half games without conceding a goal.
Because he knows as much effort and skill has gone into that as is required when his team are producing at the other end of the park.
“At Ayr last week I made a lot of the fact we didn’t play as well as we can.
“Too many of the players were off their game and we want to play better than we did, because I know we’re capable of much better.
“What I should also have mentioned was they still showed character because Cammy Bell never really had a save to make.
“William Edjenguele and Mark Durnan were outstanding and, because of those two, Ayr never really had a chance.
“That doesn’t change the fact we weren’t as good as we wanted to be with the ball but we did defend very well, I should have highlighted that.
“You will always get a dip every now and again and, when one comes, you have to still be able to win. Largely by keeping another clean sheet we did.”
Ray believes it’s only right he set the record straight by now mentioning that defensive strength down at Somerset Park and, without wishing to tempt fate, feels it is time to draw attention to that miserly defensive record.
“I’ve had unbeaten runs at Brechin and Raith and I’m happy with the one we’re on now but I have to say the stat I’m really pleased with is going those five-and-a-half games without conceding.
“That’s something that pleases me so much. I really like that stat and the boys deserve great credit for it.
“I think Durnan and Edjenguele have been really outstanding for a while now.
“They have built up a very strong partnership.
“I knew William was a good defender. That’s why we worked hard to bring him in.
“But I would have to say he has probably exceeded my expectations. He is doing very well for us.
“Cammy Bell has been excellent, too, and the other boys are doing a great job.”
Ray is also keen to stress this excellent run is even more worthy of praise simply because as much as he loves clean sheets, United’s emphasis will always be on getting goals at the other end.
“The fact we are going out looking to win games makes keeping clean sheets that bit more difficult. We’re committing men forward, looking for goals and to try to break the opposition down.
“What that does at times is leave gaps at our end of the park and it means you can be vulnerable.
“Cammy’s been called on to make some excellent saves and he’s another one who’s been brilliant for us.
“I have to say, though, in most games we haven’t given up too many chances and that’s been down to the quality of the work the boys at the back are putting in.
“It is easier to be a defensive coach than an attacking coach and, seeing as we are a team who likes to attack, keeping five clean sheets on the bounce is impressive and it is something the boys can be proud of.
“And, as much as I’ve praised the defence specifically, I never forget we defend as a team, so everyone deserves credit.
“What we have to do now is work hard to keep things going.”
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