Disgruntled Dundee United fans who feel the time has come for manager Jackie McNamara to leave may be given pause for thought when they look at his record.
If managers are to be judged on results then McNamara can point to a better win-per-game ratio than 10 of his predecessors, including Peter Houston and Craig Levein.
Discontent with the Tangerines gaffer reached boiling point following the dreadful 4-0 defeat to Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Saturday.
Of course, it is not just that terrible display that has led some supporters to say enough is enough.
The departures of Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic at the end of the January transfer window and subsequent slump in form has been a ball and chain around the ankle, while the summer sale of Nadir Ciftci to the Hoops added to the misery.
The start to this season has been mixed to say the least, while the suspension of the club’s youth director Stevie Campbell last week hasn’t helped United look united.
However, there have been highs as well as lows during McNamara’s reign and that is borne out in the numbers.
His 113 matches in charge at Tannadice have yielded 50 wins, 23 draws and 40 defeats, giving him a win percentage of 44.2%.
You have to go back to the reign of Billy Kirkwood two decades ago, which was mostly spent in the First Division, to find a greater total than what McNamara has achieved thus far.
Kirkwood just pips him with 47.5%, while the legendary Jim McLean’s win ratio is the most impressive of the modern era at 48.1% achieved at a time when United were consistently performing at the highest level in Scotland and in European competition.
Therefore, McNamara’s record is superior to that of: Houston 42%, Levein 40.4%, Craig Brewster 10%, Gordon Chisholm 27.8%, Ian McCall 30.8%, Paul Hegarty 22.2%, Alex Smith 31.3%, Paul Sturrock 31.8%, Tommy McLean 36% and Ivan Golac 33%.
The old saying goes that there are lies, damned lies and statistics but in football management the crux of the job is winning matches and, on that score, McNamara compares well with other United bosses.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs have said they are “very concerned” by Campbell’s suspension.
The federation released a statement supporting the youth director and praising his work at Tannadice.
It read: “In his time at the club we have always found Stevie to have a fantastic work ethic and to be an honest man with great integrity.”
The statement adds that his “record in his post of youth director speaks for itself” and that he has “overseen countless players coming through the ranks.”
It continued: “We would urge our club to get this matter cleared up quickly as it is affecting and splitting our support.”