New West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine has been discussing his coaching influences.
The Scot has been able to charm many Baggies skeptics since his appointment last week.
"In terms of coaching influences, people like Don Howe, Dave Sexton, Ray Harford, Terry Venables and Dario Gradi were people I watched regularly," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"Don probably thought I was a stalker when I was a young coach because every time he turned up to do a coaching demonstration, I was there. I was like a sponge and incredibly fortunate as a young coach.
"I also used to sit at the same lunch table as Kenny Dalglish and Ray Harford (at Blackburn) listening to them, talking about football.
"Kenny wasn't a coach but a fantastic man-manager and had a fantastic insight into the game. He was a genius as a player and you could tell with the things he said and things he saw that he knew what he was talking about - that was a great insight.
"And then there was Ray, who was an extremely well-organised football coach, especially of 4-4-2. The two of them would spend times arguing, debating things. I would sit there with my mouth open taking it in."
