Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is happy for Tim Sherwood over his appointment as Tottenham manager.
Stoke face Spurs later today.
Crouch said: "It's a little bit of a surprise. I think young, English coaches these days maybe don't often get the top jobs.
"It wouldn't have been a surprise if you had seen the hierarchy at Spurs go for a foreign coach, so I'm pleased Tim Sherwood has got the job and hopefully some more young British managers can get that kind of opportunity.
"Many years ago, when I was in the youth team at Tottenham, he was a player there. Then he came back while I was there second time around.
"He was obviously in charge of the young lads but he was always around the first team and always very vocal around the place.
"And, in my opinion, it's a great appointment.
"I think the lads relate to him. They like him. He's opinionated - he has his views - and I think the players will listen to him.
"Les Ferdinand is there too and he is a top bloke. He will help as well. For me, Tim was great to have around.
"Although he wasn't directly involved with the first team, all the lads knew who he was and had a lot of respect for him.
"He would offer his opinion and all the lads would listen.
"So it's a terrific opportunity for him and I wish him well. I really hope he succeeds.''
