Dean Smith has paid tribute to opposite number Roy Hodgson ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
At 73, the Eagles boss is the oldest manager in the Premier League, and he has over 360 top-flight matches under his belt.
Hodgson’s 45-year management career has taken him to jobs in eight different countries, including four national team jobs, and Smith says he is a role model for homegrown coaches.
He said: “He’s been an unbelievable manager, coach and servant to football. I hope that continues if he wants it to.
“He’s certainly one that we – us British managers – can look up to for the journey he’s had and the clubs he’s had.
“He’s never been afraid to go abroad and try another level, enjoying fantastic success.”
Smith has recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of his first step into management, at Walsall in 2011, and is enjoying managing the club he supports.
Progress on the pitch this season has taken Villa within reach of a top ten finish, but Smith feels there is more to come in the near future.
“This is only our second season [in the Premier League] and we’re building a team capable of fighting for Europe,” he said.
“The team has improved this season and the quality of player has improved. I look at players like Ezri Konsa, who is pushing for an international spot, as is Matt Targett.
“Ollie Watkins has already got into that team. We’ve got John McGinn who’s getting better and better and playing for Scotland.
“The quality in our squad has risen and that’s what we need to continue to do.”