He was among the first to congratulate Callum Davidson on landing the St Johnstone job.
And former manager Alex Totten reckons the man he brought to Perth as a kid has all the attributes needed to build on the legacy left by Tommy Wright.
Davidson picks up the reins today when the Saints squad, including former Inverness Caley Thistle defender Shaun Rooney, undergoes initial COVID-19 testing at sealed off McDiarmid Park.
The players will begin limited training later in the week, with former striker Steven MacLean set to join the backroom staff.
“I texted Callum to say congratulations on getting the job and to wish him well,” said fans’ favourite Totten (74), who enjoyed success at Saints from 1987-92.
“I am really chuffed for him. This is a great opportunity for Callum.
“That’s him been a player, an assistant and now manager of the club.
“I always remember the first time I clapped eyes on Callum.
“My son played for a team from Larbert and they had a game at Stirling.
“I went across to see them and this young lad in the middle of the park stood out. He was strong as an ox, box to box.
“I decided there and then I was going to sign him. I went straight to his house in Dunblane and talked with his parents.
“Callum was only 14 at the time,” added Totten.
“He was clever at school so university was on the cards and he was a very good golfer. Probably like Alan Hansen.
“But he went on to have a brilliant career with Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Preston and Scotland.
“It was always great signing a kid and seeing him go on to do well. I got a kick out of that.”
Davidson, now 43, left Perth for England 22 years ago after nearly 50 appearances.
“It’s incredible to think that the £1.75 million Saints got from Blackburn for Callum is still a record fee after all these years,” said Totten.
“It certainly makes you feel old when you think he is now managing the club he joined as a kid! Time flies, as they say.”
Former Kilmarnock and Falkirk boss Totten, who lost his No 2 role with Rangers when Graeme Souness arrived at Ibrox, is backing Davidson to make his mark in his first managerial role.
He believes an apprenticeship served under Scottish Cup winner Wright at Perth and Gary Rowett, at Stoke City and Millwall, will have laid the foundations for success.
“Callum is a great lad and he’s always been very determined to succeed,” said Totten.
“He will be the same going into management and he’s picked up a lot of experience as assistant to Tommy and Gary, along with his time working under Gordon Strachan with Scotland.
“Like any manager he will want to bring in a player or two.
“The more contacts you have the better and I’m sure Callum will be using them to the full, especially with the pandemic causing so many financial problems for clubs.
“He has St Johnstone at heart and I’m sure he will do very well.”
