Portsmouth FC

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Adams backs calamity James

05 Dec 2008 - 08:19:40

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Portsmouth boss Tony Adams insists his faith in David James is intact even after the veteran goalkeeper's error sealed Pompey's exit from the UEFA Cup as they lost 3-2 at Wolfsburg.

When Sylvain Distin passed the ball back to James with the scoes locked at 2-2, the 38-year-old contrived to hit his clearance straight to Zvjezdan Misimovic who tapped the ball into the net to give the German side their winner.

After losing to Braga and drawing with AC Milan earlier in the competition, Pompey's final group games against Heerenveen is now inconsequential.

Adams said after the game: "It happens. Jamo's a fantastic goalkeeper. He saved a penalty and set up our first goal.

"I've got every faith in him and I love him to bits. He's been in the game for a long time and there's nothing I can say to him. He's not too pleased.

"We made too many mistakes to win the game. I think we defended better in the second half but we gave goals away in the first half and didn't defend crosses.

"I'm disappointed but Wolfsburg are a very good outfit. If you give the ball away then they pounce and I was very impressed with them.

"I thought we looked sharp and created a few chances. Niko (Krankjcar) hit the bar early in the second half and if that had have gone in then who knows?

"He's a good player. I love watching him and I love working with him. He's a fantastic footballer. When we got the ball into him I thought he was exceptional.

"Wolfsburg's number nine (Edin Dzeko) was a handful - a very good player. I don't think we dealt with him."