Under-23s defender Ayo Tanimowo believes that Andrew Crofts and Shannon Ruth were the perfect pair to step in following the departure of Simon Rusk in February.
The 19-year-old played alongside Crofts earlier this season and reckons that has been important in how well Crofts has adapted to his new role in management.
“I have loved working under [Andrew] Crofts and Shannon [Ruth]. Crofty has always had faith in me and my game.
“Now that he's the coach I feel like I can play my best football. Him and Shannon working together make a great pair.
Shannon is good for everyone, he gets on with every player. He has the respect of everyone at the club and he's a great coach to work with.
“It's been a bit easier than getting a new coach in at this stage of the season who doesn't know how we play. We already had that connection with Crofty from playing alongside him when he would talk us all through games as if he was a coach.
“He's on the touchline now, but we still have that respect for him and the experience he has can only benefit us.”
After a tough start to life following his promotion from the under-18 squad at the start of the season, Tanimowo is pleased to have found some momentum.
“When I first stepped up I was putting myself under pressure and lacked confidence. As the season went on I found my groove, I got into the team and since then I have been starting most games. I am in a good place.
“The step up to the under-23s is big because you're a lot closer to the first team so there is more pressure on you, but I needed that to improve and learn.
“It's an intense league, and there are so many good players in each team. Some Premier League 2 sides have first team players dropping down and that provides us with a really good test. It's been a great experience.”
Tanimowo was a part of a defence that kept a clean sheet at Chelsea on Sunday, with former England international full-back Ashley Cole, who is now an academy coach at Stamford Bridge, among the crowd.
“It was a bit mad to play football in front of him,” said Tanimowo. “He's an inspiration for any young player because the career he had at the very top. He’s probably one of the best full-backs that has every played. I don't support Chelsea, but anybody could recognise how good a player he was.”
The under-23s are next in Premier League 2 action on Friday when they travel to Manchester United (kick off 3pm).