New Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cotterill bid his Portsmouth players a tearful farewell yesterday.

The manager, 47, has been handed a 3½-year deal at the City Ground after Forest agreed a compensation package with Pompey.

And Cotterill, who will take charge on Monday, said: "I'm very excited. But it was a sad day for me leaving Portsmouth, it was quite emotional.

"The relationship I had with the staff and players over the past 17 months was quite special. If I can get the same relationship at Forest then I'll be happy in the job and they'll be happy with me.

"It was quite a wrench to leave."

Cotterill called a team meeting before leaving.

Pompey skipper Liam Lawrence said: "He wears his heart on his sleeve and was emotional."