Andy Reid has left his role as Republic of Ireland U18 head coach. 

The former Ireland midfielder has taken on the full-time position of U23 head coach at Nottingham Forest.

Reid had been working in his new position on an interim basis since September following Chris Cohen's departure.

While not connected to the recent series of resignations from the senior set-up, Reid's decision to join Forest on a full-time basis is another blow for the FAI.

He'd been Ireland U18 boss for the last 22 months.

Reid says the Forest job was too good to turn down, having become a popular figure at the club thanks to two spells at the City Ground.

He told Forest's website, "I am delighted to have accepted the role. Everyone knows my affiliation with this club, so to now become head coach of the Under 23s is really special for me.

"We had a fantastic season last year and myself and all of the staff connected to the academy are determined to achieve parallel success this season and to see the continued development of these fantastic young players.

"It's obviously an exciting time for the club with plans and ambitions to move the academy into the category one status.

"There's a lot of work to be done in order to achieve this, but we are all determined to see it through and give our players the best possible chance of going on to have successful careers."

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter thanked Reid for his service, saying, "Having played at the highest level, Andy understands our pathway and his expertise has benefitted all those who played under him.

"On behalf of the Association, I want to thank him for his time with us and wish him well with this new job at Nottingham Forest and for his future in management which I know will be a bright one.”

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