Robertson has been tipped to succeed Williamson

Williamson was confirmed as the new manager of Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.

A number of names have been linked with the post, including Hearts legend John Robertson, but Petrie insists the club will not rush into an appointment.

"It is important the Board takes its time to make the right appointment," said Petrie.

Livingston boss Davie Hay, Scotland assistant manager Tommy Burns and Clyde's Alan Kernaghan have also been linked with the post.

However, Petrie maintains that, although the Easter Road club are determined to have a new man installed in time to prepare for next season, the club will not be rushed into the decision.

We ask that our supporters remain patient while we identify the right candidate for the job Rod Petrie

He told the club's official website: "We will take the time required to ensure that the new manager is the right person to take the football club forward and, in particular, to work with the crop of talented and exciting young players who have been brought through our youth system.

"We would hope to identify the new manager in ample time to prepare for next season.

"We will seek to keep fans informed, but we hope they understand that we cannot become involved in the speculation that will inevitably accompany the vacancy and the appointment of a manager.

"As soon as we have something firm to report, we will say so."

The Hibernian supremo has also outlined a number of reasons why he believes managers should be queuing up for the chance to succeed Bobby Williamson.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: "It is one of the top four jobs in Scottish football and I am sure there will be no shortage of candidates who wish to be considered for it.

"We have a tremendous crop of young players here together with other more seasoned professionals, and a youth system that has delivered these players to the first team over a number of years.

"We have four players in the Scotland under-21 squad, one in the full international squad and another in the Republic of Ireland squad, as well as a number of players who have been playing for Scotland at various age groups.

"We are a city club and everyone in football, I am sure, will have been impressed by the near 40,000 fans who made the trip through to Hampden.