Tom Lutz 

Metgod links up with Adams at Portsmouth

Former Nottingham Forest defender has left Feyenoord to become first-team coach at Fratton Park
  
  


Tony Adams' search for a new first-team coach at Portsmouth has ended with the appointment of former Spurs and Nottingham Forest defender Johnny Metgod.

Adams is delighted to have filled the post, which has been vacant since Joe Jordan joined Harry Redknapp at Spurs last week, and he believes Metgod is the perfect man for the role. "He's been working for Feyenoord for 20 years in different capacities. I think he was instrumental in setting up their academy there," said Adams. "He jumped at the chance to come here. He was super-keen. He loved it in England when he was a player and can't wait to come and work for us."

Metgod had been part of the coaching set-up at Feyenoord, where Adams has also worked in the past, and the Dutchman said he was looking forward to working with him again. "After all these years I leave [Feyenoord] with pain in my heart but this is a challenge I cannot let pass by," Metgod said. "Tony Adams is a key figure in British football but his thinking is influenced by Dutch football. We had excellent contact when he was at Feyenoord and that has remained."

Metgod also revealed his successful playing career in England had helped him reach a decision. "Tony called me on Friday morning to ask if I wanted to become first-team coach at Portsmouth," he said. "The chance to work with him and return to the highest level in England is appealing to me. As a player, I had four beautiful years there and I am looking forward to working in full stadiums every week and with the best players."

Adams is confident the former Netherlands international will be a calm and supportive influence on the Fratton Park bench. "John's going to be a fantastic ally," said the former Arsenal centre-back. "He's the right person for this football club. "He's very calm and low-key. He's going to support me and hopefully help the players.

"I do like doing a lot of coaching and Johnny will support me. He'll help me, be there for me, talk to me and share his experience with me. He'll suggest players, he'll work with players - everything someone in football does. He's a little bit older than me and has been around the block. He's played in England, Spain and Holland under some unbelievable managers."

Paul Groves switches from reserve-team boss to assistant first-team coach as part of the reshuffle.

 

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