Bevan worried by Adams axe

09 February 2009 15:59
eague Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan does not believe Tony Adams was given long enough at Portsmouth and has urged clubs to take more of a long-term view when making decisions.[LNB] Adams was only appointed as Harry Redknapp's successor in late October but a disappointing run of results prompted club bosses to dismiss him on Monday morning.[LNB]Paul Ince also left Blackburn earlier in the season and Bevan admits he is concerned that clubs are not willing to show more patience.[LNB]"After speaking with Tony this morning on a couple of occasions, he was very disappointed, particularly for the fans, and very frustrated at only being given 16 games and three months," said Bevan.[LNB]Worrying trend"That isn't, in my opinion, long enough to build relations with the team and the club and all the stakeholders down there.[LNB]"Earlier in the season, Paul Ince had 17 games at Blackburn and it is a worrying trend. The average tenure at the moment for a manager is 15-16 months which is the lowest it has ever been.[LNB]"At the same time you recognise the pressures the club chairmen are under, particularly in the Premier League, in terms of the financial impact of not keeping your league status."[LNB]Bevan believes more clubs should follow the example of Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson was given time to build a dynasty.[LNB]"You have to look at clubs like Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, Everton and David Moyes and Aston Villa and Martin O'Neill.[LNB]"These are guys who are given time to build those relations with the club and build a team. For example, I don't think Sir Alex won anything in his first four years at Manchester United.[LNB]"If you are prepared to do that, the statistics tell you that you will be more successful."[LNB]DeterminedBevan has backed Adams to recover from the disappointment and go on to have a successful managerial career.[LNB]He said: "From Tony's perspective, he is immensely professional and determined and will continue to learn his trade.[LNB]"He was a manager focused on getting his qualifications. He got his Pro-Licence in 2007, he went and coached in Holland and then subsequently at Wycombe and Portsmouth.[LNB]"I am sure Tony will be back in football management in the not too distant future."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports