Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has paid a glowing tribute to England boss Roy Hodgson as he reaches the 40th anniversary of his first managerial appointment.
Hodgson, who will lead England to the Euro 2016 finals this summer, moved into management when he took charge of Swedish side Halmstad in 1976.
The 68-year-old's long and varied career has seen him oversee 19 teams in eight countries. Inter Milan, Liverpool, Fulham and West Brom are among the clubs he has managed while he has also led the Switzerland, Finland and United Arab Emirates national teams, as well as England.
Dyke told TheFA.com: "Roy is a great example to any aspiring coach that being open to new experiences and cultures can really develop you as a person. His CV is quite remarkable and it is hard to think of another coach of his stature that has been prepared to learn and grow the way he has.
"According to the record books he started in Sweden in 1976 and here he is about to take England to the European finals in 2016, still inspiring and encouraging young players - good young English players.
"What a fantastic achievement - 40 years coaching at the level he has puts him up there with the great English coaches, much revered people like Sir Bobby Robson, Dave Sexton and Don Howe."
Hodgson ended his playing career, spent largely in the English non-league system, to become a manager at the age of 28. He made an instant impact by winning two titles with Halmstad and two more with Malmo.
Other highlights include leading Inter to the UEFA Cup final, Fulham to the final of the Europa League and Switzerland to two major tournaments.
He has been England manager since 2012 and, although his future beyond this summer is uncertain, Dyke believes he has been a superb ambassador for the country.
Dyke said: "I am constantly amazed by supporters' reaction to Roy if you go to a game with him. He is genuinely liked.
"It is fascinating - wherever we travel people from different countries seek out Roy to share an experience they had of watching one of his sides, or talking to him about a player he once would have managed, or a coach that he knew.
"He's probably done more for the FA's international relations than anyone!
"We're very proud that, as England manager, Roy celebrates 40 years of coaching at the highest levels of our game. Long may it continue."
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