Nicky Shorey can see similarities between West Bromwich Albion and former club Reading.
West Brom are two points better off than Reading were after nine games in 2006, and Shorey says Roberto Di Matteo's calm management style reminds him of his former boss Steve Coppell.
He said: "We've got good coaches here who are very calm and level-headed if we win or lose. That's important.
"Steve Coppell was very similar, whenever he talked, you listened. He didn't scream and shout all of the time, but when he did say something you made sure you took it on board."
But when asked to choose between the teams, Shorey said his status as a Baggies newcomer prevents him from making a decision.
He said: "I wouldn't say either was a better team, it's quite hard to say. I had so many years at Reading and had so many friends in that team.
"I've only just come into West Brom and wasn't here last season, so it's a bit different to me. It does seem like a very tight-knit squad."