Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis was delighted Gerry Francis agreed to join him last season.
Francis was joined by David Kemp to re-form the trio that succeeded at Stoke, and Pulis has no hesitation in praising their input.
"Gerry has been excellent, as has Kempy," said Pulis to the Sunday Mirror.
"When I came in at Stoke, what I needed was someone from the outside with a different view - and Gerry has got that different view.
"I wanted someone who would look at what we were doing and analyse not only us, but the opposition.
"Some managers are very reluctant to have experienced people around them. They feel insecure. I've never felt that way because I am my own man.
"I needed the experience of Gerry and David Kemp. We dove-tailed really well together. I work very hard on the pitch with the shape of the team and those two will have a big input into what we do and what we don't do. It has been successful.
"What we have achieved together shows there is a good chemistry between us."