Determined Shaun Maloney has revealed he once called upon Sir Alex Ferguson's son to set up a meeting with the Scottish icon.
The now Belgium assistant manager's passion for coaching and education is apparent as he hones his craft working alongside Roberto Martinez for one of the best international teams in the world.
And he once took advantage of a chance encounter with Sir Alex's son to get to know the Aberdeen great.
Maloney grew up in Aberdeen and was regaled with stories of Ferguson 's all-conquering Dons side that gave Scottish football a real shake-up during the 80s.
The former Celtic star was keen to pick the brains of one of the finest managers who has ever lived but also had some catching up to do.
He told the Daily Mail : "I have this photograph with me as a five-year-old with Sir Alex Ferguson. He signed it and it was on my bedroom wall. He was opening the Fish Festival and I asked for the photograph."
And he brought it along with him when he headed to Old Trafford to meet the man man himself.
He added: "I eventually met him before a Manchester United match. I expected 15 minutes with him but we spoke for a couple of hours and he invited me into his box after the game. He didn't have to give me so much time.
"I'm from Aberdeen, so he is god-like in status. I showed him the picture of us together. It was a really nice moment. His memory was astounding. He was open with opinion and suggestions. The more you read of what he did at Aberdeen, it is incredible. I did take something special away from it but I don't want to expand on that at the moment."
