Hearts assistant manager Billy Brown has warned critics of Gary Locke that they are running the risk of driving “one of the best Hearts managers” out of the club.
The 38-year-old has found himself under the microscope during a run of nine games without a win which has seen relegation become virtually assured for the administration-ravaged Gorgie outfit.
Almost 77% of respondents to a poll on popular fans’ website Jambos Kickback have called on Locke to resign, while Bryan Jackson, of the club’s administrators BDO, has given the manager a vote of confidence this week.
Brown has been moved to defend Locke, insisting he is doing an “exceptional” job in impossible circumstances Hearts will remain unable to sign players until they emerge from administration and should not bear the brunt of any criticism.
“People are entitled to their opinions,” Brown told BBC Scotland.
“But my worry is that we could be in danger of trying to push someone out of the door who could turn out to be one of the best Hearts managers.
“This is a switched on guy, a good lad who is passionate about the club. He knows what he is doing and is meticulous in that.
“Day to day, everybody is up for the fight and the way our manager has gone about things in unquestionable, as is his passion and his will. Gary Locke, under the circumstances, is doing exceptionally well.
“He was in on Monday morning doing the video (analysis) and trying to galvanise everybody, and everything possible is being done to get results, but it isn’t easy. He hasn’t been able to sign a player but, knowing the players he wanted to sign last season, Hearts are in for a good future with Gary.”
Meanwhile, defender Dylan McGowan insists he is willing to commit his future to Hearts when they emerge from administration even if it means plying his trade in the Championship.
The big Australian is out of contract in the summer and concedes negotiations over a new deal will have to wait until the club’s battle for survival is concluded.
“We’ll have to wait until after we come out of administration before any new contracts are offered,” said McGowan, who arrived in Scotland with his older brother, Ryan, in 2008.
“But I’m looking forward to seeing that happen and seeing what the club has for me.
“I have improved as a player and I’d be more than happy to open talks with the club if they are ready but most importantly it’s about the club surviving.”
On the club’s battle to avoid the drop in the face of a 19-point gap to 11th spot, McGowan said: “Until it is mathematically impossible we will keep believing we can stay up.”