CHRIS HERBERT is Salford City’s Jack of all trades - and he’s loving every minute.

Herbert came through the doors at Moor Lane as north west scout and first-team analyst, but has since added head of development recruitment and assistant manager to development squad boss Warren Joyce to his list of roles at the League Two club.

“I loved management, but I’m in a great place,” said Herbert, who left the Runcorn Town dugout for a change in direction at Salford.

“I always want to progress, but it’s great because I’m involved in a bit of everything from coaching, analysis and scouting.

“I’m loving it at Salford and I’m glad I made the move.”

Rather than pick the team, plan the tactics and plot set-piece moves, Herbert is out and about scouting Salford’s upcoming opposition to give first-team boss Graham Alexander the information to help pick up three points.

“I get the detail the manager needs from going out to a game and watching our upcoming opponents,” explained Herbert of his role.

“Whether that’s free-kick routines, corners, style of play, whatever he wants to or needs to know we will get the information for him.

“Graham is a real professional who leaves no stone unturned and if there’s a piece of analysis missing or something isn’t quite right he will pick you up on it.

“I’m learning a lot every game I go to.

“I do the north west and there is someone who does down south. It’s a tight-knit group and we stick together.

“Greg Strong is the boss of it all and he has brought his experience from Plymouth to the club. He knows nearly every player at every club.”

That’s not to say that Herbert doesn’t get the chance to dip his toe into the transfer market any more.

His role as head of development recruitment allows him to sign players - something Herbert became famous for during his time as a manager at the likes of Cefn Druids and Runcorn.

“I used to sign players every week, so it suits me!” joked Chester-born Herbert.

Salford set-up the development squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, in order to help with the transition from academy to first-team as we strive to provide a pathway for young players to become professional footballers.

Herbert continued: “Everyone thinks we can just buy this, that and the other, but the first team have gone through the divisions so quickly that there needs to be a structure in place.

“Someone like Brandon Thomas-Asante. We brought him in having seen him playing in a youth team game last season and keeping an eye on him since then.

“We are trying to get lads who have played some senior football before, lads who are closer to the first-team level and know what it’s about.

“I’m always watching games of football.”

Herbert is also able to get out on the grass, working under former Manchester United reserve team boss Joyce, who spent time alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Old Trafford club’s second string, and has also managed Wigan Athletic.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than having him at the club working with the Under-23s,” said Herbert.

“He’s excellent. He is a little old school in his approach, but he’s unbelievable. I was speaking to Wes Brown not too long ago and he was raving about Warren.

“It’s a massive coup for the club, as good as any signing.

“When Leicester City won the league they had six players that had been coached by Warren at one time or another, so that shows how good he is.

“The lads respect him, and even when we go to play Manchester United’s Under-23s he’s still loved there. He’s a great guy who loves a joke, but is also serious when he needs to be.”

And Herbert, who saluted Salford’s owners - the Class of ‘92 - and in particular, Gary Neville for his handling of the club during the coronavirus pandemic, still has time to keep a close eye on what’s happening closer to home.

With former club Connah’s Quay Nomads fighting it out at the top of the Cymru Premier, Herbert is keeping tabs on the Welsh system having also managed the likes of Druids, Flint Town United and Conwy Borough.

Ibou Touray, now an integral part of Salford’s squad, having played for Rhyl - and Chester - after leaving Everton.

“We always keep an eye on every league,” said Herbert. “There’s talent there, but the big problem is the split in quality.

“Connah’s Quay, TNS and Bala are the best in the division and it’s hard to tell if a player is able to step up when you see them play other games.

“But if someone is recommended to us, which they often are, we will always go and watch them.

“It’s just a huge step up. I didn’t think it was when I was at Runcorn, but there is a big difference.

“At Salford we are going for promotion and it’s perhaps easier to get players in, but are they ready for the pressure?”