Steve Cotterill has confirmed he will leave Portsmouth ahead of tomorrow’s televised clash with Barnsley to take over the reigns at Nottingham Forest.
The 47 year old who only took over at Fratton Park in 2010 told BBC Radio Solent that he has agreed to move back to Nottingham- after guiding Forest’s rivals Notts County to promotion from League Two in 2009-2010- to replace former England manager Steve McClaren at the City Ground.
Cotterill said: "It's been a very upsetting morning and I had to compose myself before I came out here to talk to you this morning. I'd rather not elaborate because I'll get upset again. Forest are a fantastic club and when I heard of their interest it was very flattering.
"It has not been an easy decision because of the relationship I have with people at Portsmouth Football Club. The fans, players and staff have been fantastic. It has been a tough day and I would rather just get on with it now."
It means that an ex Tyke and ex Owl are set to be in the dugout when The Reds make the 232mile trip to the South Coast for tomorrow evening’s SKY encounter. 51 year old Stuart Gray who scored 23 goals in 120 games for Barnsley between 1983 and 1987 will step up from first team coach and 46 year old Guy Whittingham who bagged 22 goals in 113 games for Sheffield Wednesday between 1993 and 1997, before notching seven in nine during a loan stint with Pompey in 1999 moves up from Development Coach to take on caretaker duties.