Tommy Craig has said that Danny Lennon told him to take the manager's position at St Mirren.
Craig was installed as the new Buddies manager on Tuesday, only 24 hours after Lennon was dismissed by the Paisley club.
The 63-year-old had previously worked as Lennon's assistant, and insists that there are no hard feelings between the pair.
"I spoke to Danny after I was offered the job on Monday night. He wished me all the best and I know he wanted me to take it. That was verbal from him," Craig is quoted as saying in the Daily Record.
"Danny was insistent, he said he thought it was time. He'd have thought it all out and taken the pain that goes with it but, being the guy he is he wanted the best for me, which I appreciate."
Craig, who started his playing career at Aberdeen, has installed Jim Goodwin and Gary Teale as his player coaches.