Herd has been in Dominica for 2 years now, having labored with the youth sides earlier than in his position as a expertise coach with Fifa.
He says he has “fallen in love” with the nation and its folks, who take into account him considered one of them now.
Life on a stupendous Carribbean island is sweet, however Herd admits being “obsessed” with soccer means he can not at all times absolutely benefit from the trappings that include it.
That drive has been with him all through his profession, from when he left Scotland for Australia and not using a job after graduating from Abertay College and ended up teaching a group, Magic FC.
The journey has taken him to the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, the place he labored with Spanish membership Villareal’s Asian arm, to the excessive mountains of Kyrgysztan, the place goats blocking the highway as soon as held up a coaching session for 4 hours.
At occasions, it has been powerful. Lacking household occasions and milestones has not been straightforward. Nevertheless, the expertise of working throughout so many soccer cultures has been rewarding, as have a number of the different moments alongside the best way.
That features enjoying five-a-side in opposition to former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes at a Fifa occasion in Paraguay and – practically – Arsene Wenger in Zurich.
“We get given the groups earlier than and I am like, ‘oh my God, I am on Arsene Wenger’s group.’ I’ve taken a photograph of that, I’ve despatched it again dwelling. Unbelievable.
“So we have prepared, gone on the sphere and we’re warming up and somewhat little bit of drizzle comes by means of.
“And I am in search of Arsene. I am going, the place’s Arsene gone? So we have gone down into the restaurant and Arsene’s simply sitting there with a bottle of crimson wine.
“He is like, ‘no man, the rain, it is not for me. After I was in London, I’ve sufficient’. So we’re soaked by means of. He is sitting there with a pleasant crimson wine, having fun with himself.”
Herd’s unsure the place his teaching journey will take him subsequent, however his ambition is to ultimately get into the membership recreation at as excessive a stage as attainable.
The Dundonian has already proven his willingness to adapt and be taught – and tackle huge challenges.
“I would like this each day,” he says. “I would like that strain. I would like that day-to-day grind.”
For now, it is again to carrying his many hats with Dominica of their quest for Nations League promotion.
