Metgod had been on the coaching staff at Feyenoord but it has now been confirmed he will link up with Tony Adams at Fratton Park, replacing Joe Jordan after signing a contract that will see him at Fratton Park until the summer of 2011.

And Metgod, 50, who admitted it was a difficult decision to leave De Kuip, confirmed the pair had kept in touch ever since.

He 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."

Adams told the club's official website: "John's going to be a fantastic ally. He's the right person for the 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."

As part of a backroom reshuffle, Paul Groves switches from reserve team manager to the club's new assistant first team coach.

Adams said: "I don't think we can underestimate the work Paul Groves has been doing for the football club for the last two-and-a-half years. He's been great.

"His role won't change that much - he'll keep doing an enormous amount!"

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