Adam Drury has hailed the work carried out by Alex Neil since the Scot took charge of Norwich City in January.
A number of big names, including Mike Phelan, were linked with the post when Neil Adams was relieved of his duties at Carrow Road.
However, the board opted for the lesser-known Neil, who had made headlines North of the border in the Scottish Premiership for the job that he carried out in charge of Hamilton Academical.
Under the 33-year-old's guidance, the Canaries have won nine of their last 12 outings, which in turn has propelled them into contention for the Championship's automatic promotion places - a scenario that has left former defender Drury impressed.
"People didn't know who he was and being honest, I didn't know too much about him either. He had to fight that first of all, which is tough," Drury told Sports Mole.
"He's changed the side quite a lot as well and rotated a few players, but you can see that they are all with him and there's no sulking.
"Winning helps of course, but sometimes when teams are changed, certain players cause problems but that isn't happening. No-one is happy to be dropped, but they are eager to come on and be a part of it."
Drury, who made 361 appearances for the club, went on to laud the positive change in style that Neil has implemented during his brief stint in Norfolk.
"Earlier in the season they had a lot of the ball, but the tempo was lacking and the build-up was very slow. They were battering teams, but it didn't look like they had that killer instinct," the 36-year-old added.
"Now, they are going after teams. He's got them in the mindset of winning the ball back higher up the pitch and then rather than passing sideways, they are looking to go for goal."
This weekend Norwich will play host to Derby County - a side that are just one point better off than Norwich.