Nottingham Forest director John Metgod is leaving the Midlands to take up a new role in United Arab Emirates, the club has confirmed.

Metgod has sat on Forest's board of directors since the summer of 2017, but he will now make the transition into a coaching role with UAE's national team.

The Dutchman's new role will see him back in the dugout, working alongside compatriot Bert van Marwijk who has previously managed Netherlands, Borussia Dortmund and Feyenoord.

Metgod, who was a key midfielder for Forest between 1984 and 1987, expressed the difficulty with which he made the decision to leave.

"This was a very difficult decision for me," he told the club's website. "The club is moving in the right direction both on and off the pitch and it is a very exciting time for all connected, including the supporters.

"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 verdict

Forest must now move to replace Metgod on the board but this is an enticing role, with Forest experiencing a resurgence of late.

The supporters have bought into the club this season, as attendances have increased and a City Ground extension is on its way.

Signs are also promising on the pitch. Martin O'Neill has made a reasonably encouraging start to his managerial tenure, which included victory over local rivals Derby County.

The club is in a strong position and Metgod's successor can develop this even further behind the scenes.