Karl Robinson does not have to look far for inspiration as he prepares his Salford side for their short but glamorous trip to Manchester City this weekend.
While some may be intimidated by the presence of several greats of the modern game looking over him, Robinson has no qualms drawing on the vast well of experience and know-how of Manchester United's famous 'Class of 92’.
The ambitious League Two outfit are owned by a consortium comprising former United stars Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.
Ex-MK Dons and Oxford boss Robinson, appointed manager just over a year ago, has embraced the challenge and the pressure that comes with the job and his team are currently flying high, third in the table.
Saturday brings an opportunity to boost the club’s profile as the Ammies make the five-mile journey to the Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions in the FA Cup third round.
Robinson said: "When you’re seeing some of the greatest players ever seen, just sort of there on hand to help out – I think you’d be naive and stupid if you weren’t to pick their brains.
"We’re so lucky. The ‘Class of 92’ obviously own the football club, and the way they have been since I’ve been here – I’ve loved every second.
"To have players of that calibre in and around you every day, it’s brilliant, and they care, they really do.
"Some would argue the players who own the football club would love to go toe to toe with the Man City team.
"So as much as we’re really looking up to the team that are playing at the weekend, we’re also owned by some of the greatest footballers we’ve ever seen.
"I think that helps our players going into these games, being surrounded by that quality every single day.
"We’re really going to enjoy this game, whatever the outcome."
Giggs, the club’s sporting director, has even been on the bench with Robinson in recent months.
The former Wales manager, who had charges of domestic violence and assault against him dropped ahead of a retrial last year, offered his services when another member of the backroom staff needed time off for personal reasons and the arrangement has continued.
"We just felt that the dynamics worked and he’s really enjoyed it himself," Robinson said. "Don’t forget this is somebody that’s managed Manchester United and Wales.
"I think I’d be a little bit stupid if I didn’t say, ‘Oh yeah, please stay’.
"We do our job, regardless of whether there’s 10 people or 1,000 there or whoever the person is sat next to you."
Such is Robinson’s enthusiasm for the Salford project, that not even his lifelong affiliation for United’s fiercest rivals Liverpool gets in the way.
The Liverpudlian said: "I can’t say what I’ve been called by some of my mates! They’re a little bit two-faced actually, because they all want tickets for the weekend!
"But it’s all part of why I love football, and I’m addicted to it. I love the game."
