My previous line manager was always enthusiastic about my contributions to our workplace. Privately, he told me in review meetings that the next time a suitable promotion came up it was essentially mine for the taking if I wanted it. Since he would have been the hiring manager he was clearly in a position to make good on that promise.
He left the company about a month ago under something of a cloud. The details are a bit hazy but while he wasn't sacked, as such, it seems he was strongly encouraged to leave. My personal suspicion is that he'd been critical one too many times of a new senior management team.
Now, a promotion has come up and I'm going to apply for it. There is no replacement for my previous manager in post yet, so I'm not sure who will be handling the application although I will of course find out. Clearly, unlucky as it is, I don't expect to be handed it in these circumstances as a different person will now be reviewing my CV and will have to go through a full formal application and interview process.
However, I've also been asked to supply a covering letter, and I'm not sure whether or not I should mention the fact that my previous manager had me earmarked for this post. The hope is that it might boost my application. However, the concern, of course, is that it sounds arrogant, involves a manager who left under less than ideal circumstances and - for all the reader knows - could be a lie.
Should I include it in my covering letter? Or mention it in an interview should I get one?