Neil McCann admits the bond he has with John Robertson from Hearts meant he would do anything to help the Inverness Caley Thistle boss.
The pair were part of the Hearts side that won the Scottish Cup in 1998 and McCann revealed he held chats with the Tynecastle legend before agreeing to take over.
Robertson has stepped aside on an interim basis while dealing with family issues and McCann insists he'll support him in any way he can.
And he's promised him there's no intention of him trying to stay on at the club when Robertson wants to return, insisting he is only there until the manager is able to get back to his job.
He said: “Sometimes in football you meet friends and team-mates, and you can sometimes separate and not talk to each other for a wee bit.
“We did something really special in 1998 in my time at Hearts, and those bonds tend to last a long time.
“I spent a long time on the phone with John, and as everyone knows he can talk.
“It was great to hear him. I got an idea on the side and the setup here, and I know they are really good people at this club.
“He was really encouraging to myself in terms of wanting me to come in and help.”
Scott Gardiner also know McCann from his time at Hearts and he admits he's proud that he was asked to take over by the Caley Thistle chief.
He added: “I’ve known Scott a while now, he was very honest and very frank in terms of the situation I was coming into.
“Personal stuff, that’s between him and John.
“I am pretty certain this would have been a really attractive position for a lot of people so I’m really proud of the fact Scott has come to me.
“John wanted me and the club sanctioned it.
“The conversations between Scott and John were crucial to me because I want to make it crystal clear that I am not in here in any way, shape or form to take John’s job.”
