Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill believes the secret to his success as a top-flight manager was his humble beginnings.
Black Cats coach sees lower league route as recipe for success
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill believes the secret to his success as a top-flight manager is his humble beginnings.
The Black Cats host Norwich at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday and O'Neill believes that both he and his opposite number Paul Lambert have benefitted from working their way through the league system.
The Sunderland boss began his management career in the Southern League with Grantham Town before progressing through the tiers with spells at Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa.
"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."
Pleased
Meanwhile Norwich boss Lambert has taken a similar route to the top flight having managed Wycombe and Colchester in the Football League before guiding the Canaries to the Premier League and O'Neill has much respect for the Scotsman's journey.
"Paul has taken that route and so far, it has worked out pretty well for him," he added.
"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."
The Canaries came out on top in September when they beat Sunderland 2-1 at home but will face a stiff challenge as O'Neill's men look to place pressure on the 10th place side with only two points the difference between the clubs.
Lambert takes his team to Wearside with Sunderland losing just two of their last 10 matches as the home side prepare to hand a debut to Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge who has joined the club on loan.
