John Metgod has left Nottingham Forest to make a return to the dugout as assistant coach of the UAE national team.
The former midfielder was keen to return to coaching and has subsequently left his position on the City Ground board of directors, to take up his new role on April 1.
Metgod says it was a difficult decision to leave Forest, as he had enjoyed his return to the club where he had previously plied his trade as a player.
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He had joined the board at Forest in the summer of 2017, but will now take on his new role working alongside the experienced figure of fellow Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who has previously managed Feyenoord, Borussia Dortmund, Holland, Hamburg, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
“I have very much enjoyed my time at the club and I would like to wish Martin and the team the best of luck for the remainder of the season,” said Metgod.
“Everyone knows about my love for the people at the club and city so this was a very difficult decision for me.
“The club is moving in the right direction both on and off the pitch and it is a very exciting time for all connected, especially the supporters. The new stadium redevelopments prove the ambition of the owner and board members and I have no doubt they will take this club back where it belongs in the Premier League.
“However the opportunity to get back on the grass and the day to day involvement with the football department is a role I have started to miss so this opportunity appealed to me greatly.
“The club have said I am always welcome back to The City Ground, so I intend to return and support the team whenever I can.
"I would also like to place on-record my gratitude to Mr Marinakis for trusting in me two years ago when he brought me into the club, and extend my thanks to those at the club for allowing me to pursue this next stage of my career in football.”
As a player, Metgod made 116 appearances for Forest between 1984 and 1987 for the Reds, scoring 15 goals.
