CHRIS HERBERT has stepped down as Runcorn Town manager to take up a scouting role at National League promotion chasers Salford City.

The former Cefn Druids boss will be in charge of scouting players for Salford's first team, as well as conducting analysis on Graham Alexander's side's future opponents.

It's a move that Herbert, who scouted for Chester under Steve Burr, could not turn down, explaining his decision in a letter to Runcorn.

He wrote: "Salford was an opportunity I could not really turn down. To have the chance to be at such a quick growing and unbelievably ambitious club was something I had to be a part of when offered the chance.

"I don’t think I need to tell anyone what Runcorn Town means to myself. I have loved every part of getting the club in the position it is in right now.

"I have some great memories like when we beat League Two Macclesfield in the Cheshire Cup, two wins and one draw out of four games in the Runcorn derbies, travelling to Guisborough in the FA Vase on a Tuesday night and coming away with an extra time win, beating Congleton at home in front of the television cameras, Joe Holt's last minute winner away at champions Atherton Colleries.

"I could go on there are so many!"

Former Airbus midfielder Paul McManus will step up from player to caretaker manager until the rest of the season.

"Hopefully now you can back Paul McManus and help him with your support to take the club to the next level," continued Herbert.

"I firmly believe that the club is on the verge of good things and Macca is the right man to build on the hard work Mark McGregor and myself have put in to get such a talented group of players to the club."

On his appointment as caretaker boss, McManus said: "I would just like to thank Herbie for what he's done for the club and the lads over the last two and a half seasons and we wish him well for the future.

"I'd also like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to take the club forward till the end of season.

"I am looking forward to working with the lads over the coming months. We have some quality here which we intend to showcase and work hard in each game to get maximum points possible and finish as high up this league as we can. It's where we should be.

"I have loved every minute of my time here and already have a great relationship with the whole club from fans to committee, so I am excited to see what we can all achieve. Let's get going!!!"

Echoing McManus' thoughts was chairman Lindsay Berry, who said: "On behalf of everyone at the football club, I would like to wish Chris Herbert the best of luck in his move to Salford.

"Whilst we are naturally disappointed with this, we have always said that we would never stop any player from stepping up to the next level in football. The same goes for the manager, and this is certainly a great move for him.

"We have had some great times over the last two and a half seasons and the club is in a great position. When one door closes though another opens and we would like to welcome Paul on board until the end of the season.

"We look forward to working with him and will give him the very best support that we can."