Middlesbrough cult hero Emanuel Pogatetz has made a return to the Premier League
Middlesbrough cult hero Emanuel Pogatetz has secured a swift return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
The retired centre-back was a popular figure at the Riverside in his playing days, making 158 appearances for the North Yorkshire club between 2005 and 2010.
He is now a coach and until recently, was employed by Crystal Palace as part of Oliver Glasner’s team.
Emanuel Pogatetz spent five years at Middlesbrough.placeholder image
Emanuel Pogatetz spent five years at Middlesbrough. | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
New role for Middlesbrough cult hero
With Glasner now in post at Forest, Pogatetz has been appointed as an assistant head coach at the City Ground alongside Michael Angerschmid.
A spokesperson for Forest said: “Subject to the successful completion of the relevant visa process, former Austria international defender Emanuel Pogatetz will join Forest after more than two years working alongside Glasner in the Premier League.
“Following a distinguished playing career across Europe, he has made a seamless transition into coaching and brings valuable top-level experience, leadership and defensive expertise to the first-team staff.”
Glasner added: “I'm delighted that these outstanding coaches have joined me at Nottingham Forest.
“We've shared many successful moments together and, just as importantly, we share the same values, work ethic and determination to build a culture where every player is challenged to reach their highest level. I'm confident they'll make a hugely positive impact on this football club."
Emanuel Pogatetz made 158 appearances for Middlesbrough between 2005 and 2010.placeholder image
Emanuel Pogatetz made 158 appearances for Middlesbrough between 2005 and 2010. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
No reunion for now
There will not be an immediate reunion between Pogatetz and Middlesbrough in the Premier League following the latter’s defeat in the Championship play-off final.
However, there is every chance the two clubs could come across each other in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup during the season ahead.
Pogatetz arrived at the Riverside during the reign of Steve McClaren and his years at the club proved eventful. He was part of the Boro side that suffered relegation from the top flight in 2009 and left for German outfit Hannover a year later.