It's a long way from Kingston Park and even further from Seghill Social Club but Adam Sadler is taking lessons from one the world's managerial greats in Louis Van Gaal as part of his UEFA pro licence.
And while Tyne-Wear derby fever grips Newcastle, Sadler is taking a watching brief as AZ Alkmaar prepare to take on Sparta Rotterdam.
Sadler, who has done a great job with the reserves this season, is currently on leave from Newcastle United's training HQ in Benton to work alongside Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar.
The Dutchman of course dumped out the Magpies from the UEFA Cup last term against Glenn Roeder's side and Sadler was part of the coaching staff more than 12 months ago in the sleepy Dutch town of Alkmaar.
Back then Van Gaal refused to speak to the Tyneside media in English leaving many of us reaching for the Dutch phrase books but Sadler has encountered no similar problems so far!
Seghill lad Sadler says: "I am keen to work with Louis van Gaal and AZ really impressed me last season, putting in a commanding display against Newcastle.
"I'm liking my stay here very much.
"I have been given a hearty welcome by Van Gaal and the AZ coaching staff."
It's true that Sadler's side have been playing some neat stuff this season and purposeful attacking style of play arrived in good time for the reserve team coach with the second string crushing Boro 5-0 away soon after Kevin Keegan returned.
And if the week spent with Van Gaal means even more total football for the future kids of Newcastle United it can only be a good thing.
A certain Jose Mourinho did exactly the same thing many years ago learning the ropes from Sir Bobby Robson.
Whether Newcastle have the next "special one" on their hands remains to be seen but certainly it's a week that Sads won't be forgetting in a hurry.
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