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Adams 'surprised' at sacking
Andrew Hodgson9 Feb 2009
Tony Adams was “surprised” to be sacked as Portsmouth manager today after just three months in charge.
Portsmouth have won only two of their 16 Premier League matches since Adams, 42, took over after Harry Redknapp's move to Tottenham.
However, the former Arsenal captain said: “I'm a little bit surprised. Results have not been good but we're not getting done sixes and fours and performances on the whole have been good.
“I haven't had a lot of time and I certainly haven't had the financial backing. We've had a few injuries as well and that's tough to take.”
This was Adams's first spell as boss since he resigned from Wycombe five years ago but he insisted: “What has happened has not turned me off management, that's for sure. I've just got to make sure I get all the parameters right before I walk into the next one.”
Owner Alexandre Gaydamak ran out of patience after Portsmouth lost 3-2 to Liverpool on Saturday despite leading 2-1 with just five minutes to go. The defeat leaves Pompey just one point above the relegation zone, which is a huge worry for Gaydamak, who is trying to sell the club.
A Portsmouth spokesman said: “The owner and the board feel they have been as supportive as they can during a period where results have been poor. The team have played well but too many points have been dropped from winning positions.”
Director of youth football Paul Hart has been appointed caretaker manager but Avram Grant, Alan Curbishley and former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson are possible permanent replacements.
Reader views (5)
Adams must be the only in the country "surprised" at his sacking - it's been on the cards since he first took over. Portsmouth were naive to take someone on with such a bad track record (Wycombe) in the first instance.
Good players don't necessarily make good managers and Adams is a prime example of that - he's out of his depth!
- Tim, Addlestone, Addlestone, Surrey, 10/02/2009 09:26
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No worries Tony, there's a good job going at Chelsea!
- Michael, London, 09/02/2009 16:46
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Tony Adams is a nice guy and knows the industry inside out - therefore he should realise that Portsmouth just don't have the time to keep him on, hoping thigs will improve.
Harry Redknap will be getting the sack from Spurs before too long so maybe he should go back to Pompey now !
- Kathy Doyle, London, 09/02/2009 14:21
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I wish you well Tony, please come to Arsenal and move Pat Rice to an honoury board member.
- G.Diamond, Romford Essex, 09/02/2009 11:50
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I cannot understand why Tony Adams was ever installed as manager. He failed miserably at Wycombe & his interviews are simply embarrassing. He sound inchoherant & talks nonsense.
- Rob Portsmouth, Portsmouth, 09/02/2009 09:28
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