Former Nottingham Forest defender's new role revealed as Andy Reid sends classy message

Former Nottingham Forest defender Eric Lichaj will take on his first full-time job in coaching with a new role. The 33-year-old American has been confirmed as the new U19 head coach at FC Cincinnati in the US.

The former full-back joined the Reds from Aston Villa in 2013 where he spent four seasons at the City Ground before joining Hull in 2018. He then joined Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük in 2020 before leaving in January last year.

Lichaj also made 16 appearances for the US national team between 2010 and 2018. He joins FC Cincinnati, a club who were founded just seven years ago in 2015.

And another ex-Forest star, Andy Reid, who played alongside Lichaj at the club has praised the appointment in a message of congratulations shared on Twitter. The Forest U23 coach said: "Was a pleasure having Eric around the academy for a few months, his humility, knowledge and work ethic will see him really progress in his coaching career. Good luck @EricLichaj."

Larry Sunderland, FC Cincinnati’s Director of Player Development, told the club's website: “We are very excited to bring in a coach with Eric’s background. He played at a high level with the USMNT and across England, and he brings his wealth of playing experience combined with his coaching knowledge to our Academy.

"We’re really excited to have him part of a coaching staff with many different backgrounds and experiences as players and as coaches.”