Matt Fry has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of working under former West Ham United and England defender Chris Powell.
Powell began work on Monday at League One promotion-chasers Charlton Athletic, where Fry is currently on loan.
The 20-year-old is eager to learn from his new boss, who made 42 appearances for the Hammers during the 2004/05 season and was capped five times by his country.
Fry's loan has recently been extended until 5 February and the defender is keen to make the most of his remaining time at The Valley.
"It was the manager's first day on Monday and he held a meeting before training during which he gave us all a really inspirational speech outlining what he wants to achieve," confirmed the youngster.
"Everyone has respect for Chris Powell as a great player and we have got a bit of a lift with him coming in.
"Every player will be fighting to prove to the new manager that they are worth their place in the team and I'm sure the intensity will be up in training over the next few weeks.
"Going out on loan is all about gaining experience and I am fortunate that the new manager played in my position to the highest level.
"I can learn a lot from Chris in the time I have left at Charlton because he was a top player and I'm sure he'll also want to help me get better. I am sure he will teach me a lot."
Powell's reign will begin with the visit of Plymouth Argyle to The Valley on Saturday - a game that could pitch Fry against former West Ham Academy team-mate Bondz 'Gala.
"We've got Plymouth at home on Saturday and although they are a good side, we'll be looking to take three points from that game.
"It will be good to see Bondz again. I didn't play when we drew 2-2 at their place in October, so it would be great to be involved this time around.
"We are only a place and a point outside the Play-Offs, so a win would be a great start for the new manager and great for our promotion chances."
While promotion from League One is Charlton's No1 priority, the Dartford-born defender also enjoyed the experience of performing in front of nearly 36,000 fans when the Addicks took on Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round.
Charlton held their Barclays Premier League opponents for 49 minutes before three goals in quick succession - including two from ex-West Ham striker Jermain Defoe - ended their Wembley dreams.
Regardless of the result, Fry thoroughly relished the experience of playing at a packed White Hart Lane.
"It was good. It was obviously a fantastic experience to play in front of more than 35,000 fans, which was the biggest crowd I'd ever played in front of. It's all about learning and it was a great experience for me.
"I get nervous before every game I play in and I must admit I did get some feelings in my stomach before the kick-off, but once the whistle was blown it was down to business and just like any other game.
"In the first half we held them really well, played some good football ourselves and went in at half-time nil-nil and anything could have happened.
"They brought on Luka Modric at half-time and he was a different class and ran the game. We maybe switched off a bit and they scored three goals in pretty quick succession.
"Overall, though, we played some good football. That's the sort of stadium and stage where I want to be playing and it's certainly given me the taste for it.
"I'm on loan at a big club and we get big crowds, too, so it's all good experience and I'm learning more and more every day."