Michael Doyle says he is looking forward to continuing his working relationship with Ian Burchnall in a "brilliant" opportunity at Forest Green Rovers after his Notts County exit.
Doyle, 40, joined the Magpies in 2019 but took a step back from playing duties last season in order to take up a role as assistant head coach under Burchnall at Meadow Lane.
He has now taken another step forward in his journey as a coach by following Burchnall to New Lawn.
READ MORE: Manager 'turned down' chance to be considered for Notts County job
ALSO READ: Notts County starlet signs first professional contract after Blackburn & Barnsley trials
Doyle heads to a club preparing for their first-ever season in League One after storming to promotion from League Two last term. The Notts County pair replace the outgoing Rob Edwards who has been cherry-picked by Watford to lead their attempts at an immediate return to the Premier League.
That scenario provided Doyle with a "brilliant" opportunity which could not be turned down.
"My relationship with Ian Burchnall is great. When he first came in I was a player. His assistant left, he asked me to step up and I've never looked back since. At the end of last season he offered me a role of assistant coach. It was a great year of learning for me.
"I feel privileged to get the opportunity to step up two divisions after one year as an assistant manager. To make the step up from National League up into League One is a brilliant opportunity."
He added: "I wanted to play for as long as I could. I always had my eye on coaching and getting my badges done. My last official game was against Torquay in the play-offs and that was coming up to my 40th birthday - I was probably playing for a bit too long!
"I was glad not to play for last year as it allowed me to fully focus on coaching which was great."
Doyle has won promotions with Leeds United, Portsmouth and Coventry City so knows what is required of players in order to adapt to playing at a different level following success. He hopes to now be able to transfer that knowledge and experience to the players.
He said: "I think the first thing that I would say is to get promotion is a massive achievement. For myself and the manager, we are lucky that there will be a lot of momentum.
"The lads here have obviously got a strong winning mentality after winning the division. I think we will be underdogs in a lot of games next season in League One, but I used to cherish that and if people underestimate you then it can work to your favour.
"A lot of the time when there are managerial changes you are heading into a group which are feeling low and facing relegation challenges. So this is a bit unique for us which is brilliant."
