Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is convinced the route he and Paul Lambert have taken into top-flight management has given them a firm grounding in the business.
The two men will be in opposing dugouts at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night as Norwich attempt to complete a double over O'Neill's Black Cats.
But it will be a reunion for the pair, who worked together during O'Neill's reign at Celtic after he had plied his trade at Wycombe, Norwich and Leicester.
Lambert started in Scotland with Livingston before also making his way to Wycombe, then Colchester, before arriving at Carrow Road - and O'Neill admits that learning process is invaluable.
"My own view is that I think it's a great help, I do, and maybe it's because that was the approach I took," O'Neill said.
"Now don't get me wrong, if somebody in the Premier League - or what was called the first division in those days - had taken a chance with me when I was looking around at the time, then I am sure I would have grabbed it.
"But deep down, I am pleased that this is the way I went because I learnt an awful lot.
"Paul has taken that route and so far, it has worked out pretty well for him.
"Of course, if somebody wants to, if you are a big enough player and Real Madrid want you as your first job, you don't turn it down. But essentially, there is nothing wrong with going and working up through the leagues."