In Nigeria, a major club sent him to select the pick of the players from a tournament, coach them and report back on the best prospects. “I enjoyed the football and the country. It helped me to understand the journey of some African players a bit more.”

Closer to home, he has coached some of the fringe players at Manchester City to aid their progression, whether that is securing loan moves or new contracts elsewhere. “That was another brilliant experience, working with high-quality players,” he says.

“You never quite knew the numbers because Pep [Guardiola] would whip 10 away for the pitch next door so I had a little bit of a taste of my own medicine!” Any to keep an eye on? “Alex Robertson, who has gone to Cardiff. He picks up coaching points so quickly.”