Tommy Wright has known Lee Clark for the best part of 30 years.
And the St Johnstone manager believes Kilmarnock have the right man for their relegation battle in his former Newcastle United team-mate and Norwich City coaching colleague.
Clark will be drawing on experience of helping the Carrow Road club survive the drop in a similar situation to the one Killie now find themselves in, Wright recalls.
“He would have known what he was coming to,” the Perth boss said. “He’ll have gone into the job with his eyes open after doing his homework.
“Lee and Glenn (Roeder) had a similar situation when they went in at Norwich.
“Norwich were struggling in the Championship and looked like they were going down, but they kept them up.”
Wright and Clark’s friendship goes back to 1988 and their days together at St James’ Park.
“Lee was a youth player when I signed,” the Northern Irishman said. “He came into the first team squad the next season under Jim Smith.
“I’m not sure if Jim gave him his debut or whether it was Ossie Ardiles.
“I played 80 to 90 times for Newcastle and Lee would have been in the team for most of them.
“I know him well.
“He was assistant manager at Norwich and I was the goalie coach. We lived quite near each other and we’ve kept in touch since.
“At Newcastle Lee was part of a group of local players like Alan Thompson, Steve Watson, Steve Howey, Lee Makel and Robbie Elliot who all got an opportunity under Ossie.
“They talk about Manchester United’s class of ‘92 but Newcastle had a very good crop of players who came through together as well.
“They maybe didn’t hit the heights of the Man United ones but they all had good careers. Most of them were Wallsend Boys Club lads. Lee was a very good footballer.”
Wright was impressed with Lee Clark the player and he has also been impressed with Lee Clark the manager.
He said: “Lee’s done well and you’d look back and think he’s maybe even been a wee bit unlucky.
“He did a great job at Huddersfield. Then at Birmingham he took over at a time when the club wasn’t in a good position. And at Blackpool that was even more the case.”
Wright added: “Lee didn’t actually speak to me before he took the Kilmarnock job.
“It didn’t surprise me that he has come up here. He’ll want to work and prove what a good manager he is.
“Scottish football is an attractive proposition. I think it’s a good appointment for Kilmarnock.”
Wright can see where Clark has made his mark on the Killie side.
“It seems that they’ve tightened things up at the back and have been more consistent defensively,” he said.
“Hopefully they don’t start scoring this weekend.
“They’ve got a lot of quality players. McKenzie and Magennis have had a good season. There’s Boyd and a few talented young players in their squad as well.
“And Lee’s added a bit of experience.
“They’ll give it a go. They’ve no other option than to give it a go.”