Metgod played for both Nottingham Forest and Spurs in the 1980s

Former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham midfielder John Metgod has become the new first-team coach at Portsmouth.

The 50-year-old has left his scouting role at Dutch side Feyenoord and signed a three-year deal to join new Pompey boss Tony Adams at Fratton Park.

"He (Adams) approached me last Friday and asked if I was interested in the job," Metgod told BBC Sport.

"There was no way I was going to change my mind about Portsmouth - this is a challenge I cannot let pass by."

Former Holland international Metgod added: "As a player, I had four beautiful years (in England) and I am looking forward to working in full stadiums every week and with the best players.

"The chance to return to the highest level in England is appealing to me."

The role had been vacant since Joe Jordan joined former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp at Spurs on Saturday.

He jumped at the chance to come here. He was super-keen Portsmouth boss Tony Adams

Adams had previously approached former Arsenal team-mate Martin Keown about joining Portsmouth's backroom staff, but the 42-year-old rejected the offer to concentrate on his media duties.

Metgod first came into contact with Adams when the ex-England captain took up a trainee coaching role at Feyenoord in 2005 following a brief stint as Wycombe manager.

"Tony Adams is a key figure in British football but his thinking is influenced by Dutch football," said Metgod.

"We had excellent contact when he was at Feyenoord and that has remained."

Metgod revealed he was unconcerned about reports that Portsmouth owner Sacha Gaydamak wanted to sell the club in the near future.

"I know exactly what the situation is, that's the most important thing for me," he said.

"I don't think it's very wise for me to talk about the situation now because I am not even working yet."

Adams, who took over as Pompey boss when Redknapp left for Spurs, said he was delighted by Metgod's decision to join him at the club.

"John's going to be a fantastic ally. He's the right person for this football club," he told the Portsmouth website.

606: DEBATE Johnny Metgod was a real Rolls Royce of a midfielder fillerywhereru

"He's been working with 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."

As part of the backroom reshuffle, reserve team boss Paul Groves will become the club's new assistant first-team coach.

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