15/11/2008 - Former red metgod delighted to return to England
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams revealed Johnny Metgod was "super-keen" to move to Fratton Park after the south-coast club named the former Nottingham Forest midfielder first-team coach.The 50-year-old had been on the coaching staff at Feyenoord but Adams believes Metgod is the perfect man for the role.
He said: "He's been working for Feyenoord for 20 years in different capacities. I think he was instrumental in setting up their academy there.
"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."
Adams is confident the former Holland 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."
Adams had a spell on the coaching staff at Feyenoord, as well as an additional stint with FC Utrecht, before linking up with Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth in June 2006.
Metgod was a big favourite during his time at the City Ground.
The Dutchman was signed by Brian Clough from Real Madrid for £300,000 in 1984 and in his three years at the club went on to make nearly 140 appearances, scoring 17 goals - including a never-to-be forgotten stunning free kick against West Ham.
Forest were a model of consistency during his time at the City Ground, twice finishing in the top flight's top ten.
He moved to Spurs in July 1987 for £250,000.
Metgod admitted it was a difficult decision to leave Feyenoord and said: "After all these years I leave here with pain in my heart but this is a challenge I cannot let pass by.
"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 added: "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."
Metgod will also be linking up again with former Forest team-mate and former manager Paul Hart, who is now Pompey's academy director.