Tony Adams sacked as manager of Portsmouth FC

Portsmouth FC have dismissed manager Tony Adams and  John Metgod following a run of poor results in the permire league. A club spokesman said, it was a “difficult decision”, taken after Pompey won just two out of 16 Premier League games since Adams took charge. Adams though was disappointed by the decision saying: “I am a little bit surprised but results haven’t 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.” He added: “I’m still up for the challenge so I’ve got mixed feelings.”

Director of youth operations Paul Hart will take over as caretaker manager for the time being, but that role could be very short-term, with ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant favourite to replace Adams, who had only been in the job since late October. In the running for the vacant job are Avram Grant, who was director of football at Chelsea FC three years ago, ex-West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and I also hear Graeme Souness has been listed. “Grant is considered to be the favourite.”

On Saturday, Pompey were beaten at home 3-2 by Liverpool despite leading 2-1 with only five minutes to go. Portsmouth are currently 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, with 14 games to play. The club’s statement added: “The owner and the board feel they have been as supportive as they can during a period when results have been poor. “The team has played well but too many points have been dropped from winning positions. The priority for the club is to remain in the top flight and we feel the appointment of a new manager will give us the best opportunity to enable us to do this.”

Adams was appointed at the end of October when Harry Redknapp, who guided Pompey to FA Cup glory last season, decided to take the Tottenham job. The former Arsenal and England captain was named as Redknapp’s number two in 2006, after an ill-fated spell in charge of Wycombe and coaching jobs in the Netherlands with Feyenoord and Utrecht. At Wycombe, the Gunners legend won only 12 of his 53 games in charge, losing 20. However, Adams’ former Arsenal teammate Nigel Winterburn feels it is wrong to solely blame the manager for poor results.