Peter Taylor admitted to feeling a little satisfaction as he watched David Beckham's last minute free-kick sail in to secure England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
For Beckham it was the completion of an amazing two-year turn-around from villain in France '98 to hero, as the captain of his country at his adopted home in Manchester, in front of 66,000 adoring fans.
Peter Taylor played a significant part in that transformation during his brief spell with the national team set up.
The former Leicester boss handed Beckham the captaincy (pictured) in his one and only game in charge of the senior England team, a decision that raised a few eyebrows in the media, and among supporters alike.
However, it was decision that Sven-Goran Eriksson was happy to endorse following his early arrival to the post and neither the England manager, nor his captain, has looked back since.
The extra responsibility has visibly lifted Beckham's game, to the point where he seemed, almost, to be taking on the Greeks single-handedly at Old Trafford on Saturday.
"David has done everything right on and off the field and he's playing better than ever. He's thriving on the responsibility," Taylor said.
"I knew he could handle it after the incredible character he showed to get on with things and ignore the criticism and stick he got after being sent off against Argentina in France 98. That proved to me that he was someone who can take responsibility.
"The night I got the job, my mind was already made up that David would be perfect as captain. I phoned David up and said: "David, I'm going to name the squad. Of course you're in it, but I'd like you to be captain." He just said: "Terrific." He was really pleased.'
Beckham remains grateful to Taylor for giving him the opportunity that he has taken so impressively in the last 12 months. The ex-Foxes boss has a photograph of himself and Beckham from that night in Turin, which the England number 7 has signed: 'To Pete, Thanks for giving me the chance, David'.
Taylor, who is now looking for an opportunity to return to the profession he loves and will be hopeful of being given a similar chance himself, added: "Obviously I'm pleased that I made David captain of England and I do feel quite proud to think that I helped the team to qualify for Japan. It's a nice feeling to have."
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