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Tall, languid Johnny Metgod was part of busy month of transfer dealing
for Brian Clough in August 1984 which also saw Gary Megson arrive from
Sheffield Wednesday and youngster Franz Carr from Blackburn. The
Dutchman proved to be equally at home in midfield or defence during his
time with Forest and the £250, 000 that Clough spent on luring him to
the City Ground from those giants of the footballing world, Real Madrid,
proved to be an absolute snip. Metgod positively oozed class and it was
clear to see why he had represented Holland at full international
level.
He was to spend three years in the East Midlands, playing 116
League games and weighing in with the healthy return of 15 goals. Not
only could he stroke the ball around with great aplomb from his position
in the middle of the park but he also possessed a shot of ferocious
power - as Phil Parkes would testify. No Nottingham Forest fan fortunate
enough to be present will ever forget the free-kick that Johnny lashed
past the West Ham 'keeper from thirty yards and more - or Parkes himself
for that matter! Forest were going through something of a rebuilding
period during Metgod's time at the City Ground and, sadly for the
balding Dutchman, they were never able to seriously challenge for
honours during his time there.
It had threatened to be different in
Johnny's last season with the Reds - the 1986-87 campaign - as Forest
topped the table for much of September and October, but ultimately they
were to fall away and had to be content with an eighth place finish.
Metgod departed the City Ground in the summer of 1987 with a £250, 000
move to Tottenham Hotspur, the team he had scored his last Forest goal
against. (David Scranage)
Senior career.
Years Team Games Goals
1975–1976 HFC Haarlem 32 (1)
1976–1982 AZ Alkmaar 195 (26)
1982–1984 Real Madrid 49 (1)
1984–1987 Nottingham F 116 (15)
1987–1988 Tottenham H 12 (0)
1988–1994 Feyenoord 164 (13)
Total 568 (56 goals)
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