Former Hibs boss John Collins has jumped to the defence of under-fire Hearts boss Robbie Neilson.
Though the Jambos sit well clear at the top of the Championship, supporters have been unhappy with performances throughout the campaign.
And the murmurs of discontent have grown louder following a humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Brora Rangers that was followed by a limp home loss to Queen of the South.
Following Steven Pressley's stirring defence of Neilson, Liam Corbett of Hearts fan podcast This is My Story joined BBC Sportsound and was critical of Neilson's team selection and formation choices.
However, Scotland cap Collins cut in to defend the tactical choices of the Tynecastle boss.
He said: "What you are explaining is a manager searching for a formula. If he stuck to the same formation every week you would be saying he never changes, sometimes a manager can't win.
"One thing I think is when that stadium is full that brings energy, that brings penetration and end product. We've got to remember, the teams that have big, full stadiums are the ones who are suffering the most during this pandemic.
"Hearts, at home have the fans in the stadium, backing and pushing the the team, so I think you need to take that into consideration."
Corbett followed up with criticism of the "rudderless nature" of the club behind the scenes under Ann Budge, noting that the anger is around "accountability" and the silence over "a long-term plan."
He noted that the Budge statement last month had only added to the pressure on Robbie Neilson that has only been ramped up following the Brora defeat.
The fan added that there is "no way back" for Neilson following the defeat to the Highland League minnows.
Collins cut in adding: "How many teams, board of directors, have sacked the manager when they are top of the league with four games to go? You know what is what you are asked.
"A board of directors to sack a manager that is top of the league, alright it's the Championship, but still."
He issued a call for "a solution" from supporters rather than criticism, adding: "Who do you want to take the club where you want to go in a short space of time?"
Fellow pundit James McFadden interjected: "Robbie Neilson seems to be taking flack for everything, every bit of flack going in every department."
Following the humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Brora Neilson's men followed it up with a limp home loss to Queen of the South and a a disappointing stalemate in Dunfermline. The capital side are without a win in five in all competitions.
