Chris Coleman says the success of Cardiff City and Swansea City has left football in south Wales looking "very, very bright".
The Swansea-born former Wales defender cannot remember seeing so much success for both clubs at the same time.
"I've been in professional football for 20 years and Cardiff and Swansea are the best two teams we've seen in a long time," he told BBC Wales.
"Football in south Wales is very, very bright."
Coleman, who now manages Coventry City, hails from Swansea and played for his hometown club from 1987 to 1991.
He went on to represent his country and play in the Premier League for Blackburn and Fulham before his career was cut short by a car accident.
Coleman, 38, has also managed Fulham and Real Sociedad before taking charge at the Ricoh Arena.
Cardiff are fourth in the Championship going into the weekend's fixtures on 48 points, nine points off second-place Reading with a game in hand.
Swansea are eighth, three points off the play-offs with 44 points in their first season at Championship level for 24 years.
"I've watched Cardiff a few times and they are a good team," said Coleman.
"[Manager] Dave Jones has bee very wise in the way he has built his team and are strong in every department.
"They've got a real chance, plus nobody likes going to Ninian Park as it's a hard place to go.
"I think Swansea are a different type of team, they play the patient type of game, while Cardiff are very strong and pass the ball very well."
Earlier this month, Coleman hailed Swansea as the "best side since the Toshack era" - when they were in the old First Division in the early 1980s.
He added: "Certainly in my time, I don't think I've seen a stronger Cardiff team and I've not seen a stronger Swansea team.
"Cardiff are going to a new stadium, Swansea are already in a new stadium, they are both in the Championship and both doing well.
"Cardiff have taken Arsenal to a replay in the FA Cup and Swansea have beaten (holders) Portsmouth.
"It doesn't get much better than that.
"They are both going for the play-offs and Cardiff could maybe get in the top couple."
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