"I'd just had a stag do and it was 10 o'clock in the morning and I was certainly worse for wear."
And the England international admitted that had he got the call from any other Championship manager he would have completely dismissed it.
James continued: "It sounded nice and if it hadn't been Steve Coppell I would have ignored it straight away. It wouldn't have worked any other way.
There's a bit of banter flying already - they're not too happy about the hair style but there you go
David James
"Bristol's finish last season was decent and the manager is someone I have a high respect for.
"Having seen him now for the two days [in training] it makes sense."
The 40-year-old has also been impressed by supporters and players.
"Having met a lot of fans in a short space of time the reaction has been very warm and positive which is nice.
"I've liked what I've seen in training - there's a lot of talent here.
"There's a bit of banter flying already - they're not too happy about the hair style but there you go," joked James.
"In the Premier League I had the opportunity to extend a few records but I thought 'so what' they're all going to get broken.
"The opportunity to be a record holder for a brief time compared to being part of a team that gains promotion to the Premiership for the first time is more important to me."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport