Rangers-bound Russell Martin admitted he would have employed more "dark arts" had he kept his job at Southampton.
The incoming Gers manager was sacked by Saints last December. He had won them promotion to the Premier League months prior by beating Leeds United in the play-off final and had been praised for playing football that was easy on the eye.
But he tried to stick to his principles in the top flight and the south-coast side won just one of their opening sixteen fixtures, leaving them bottom of the league and club chiefs with no choice but to pull the trigger.
His final game in charge was against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham and saw them fall 1-0 down inside the first minute and concede another four before half-time.
Martin's appointment at Ibrox appears to be a divisive one and there are concerns about that stubbornness and refusal to be flexible with his style.
Read more: What Russell Martin said about Rangers after 'all over the place' loan spell
Russell Martin to become next Rangers manager and succeed Clement - Video
However, comments made by him soon after his sacking may go some way to ease fears.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football at the time, he said: "I think if I look back now at the start of the season, I would have made way more onus on fouling quickly, being more horrible out of possession.
"Because we're pressing a lot but more detail with that about making contact earlier. I was really happy with the way we defended in the low block at times and suffering a bit more.
"But my thing is always, actually, let's try and dominate the ball but there are going to be times when we have to suffer.
"So I think a bit more athleticism is in the team, but if you're not going to have that then we need to make a real focus on being really difficult to play against, as well as all the stuff with the ball.
"Because then, if you could bring the beauty with a ball, but also bring the darkness with that stuff, you need both."
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