Source: SKY_Sports
Pompey confirm Adams axe
Portsmouth have confirmed that manager Tony Adams has left the struggling Premier League club.[LNB] Sky Sports News revealed on Sunday night that Adams was set to be axed from his post after a run of nine games without a win which left the club just a point above the relegation zone.[LNB]And the Fratton Park outfit have now released a statement on Adams' exit, with first-team coach John Metgod also shown the door.[LNB]Director of youth operations Paul Hart will take over as caretaker manager until a permanent successor can be found.[LNB]"This has been a very difficult decision and Tony has worked tirelessly to arrest the slump in form," a club spokesman told the club's official website.[LNB]Priority"He is rightfully highly-respected within the football world and played a major role in our FA Cup triumph last season. We would like to thank him and John and wish them well in the future.[LNB]"The owner and the board feel they have been as supportive as they can during a period where results have been poor. The team has played well but too many points have been dropped from winning positions.[LNB]"Notwithstanding the adverse economic conditions the board remains committed to the continued growth and development of the club for the future, building on its achievements of the last three years.[LNB]"The priority is for Portsmouth football club 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.[LNB]"Paul Hart knows the football club, having joined us nearly two years ago, and is a respected coach with managerial experience."[LNB]Final strawFormer Arsenal and England captain Adams had only been in charge on the South Coast since late October when he was named caretaker manager following the departure of Harry Redknapp to Tottenham.[LNB]However, a run of just two wins in 16 league games has seen the club slide down the table, with Saturday's last-gasp 3-2 home defeat by title-chasing Liverpool deemed to be the final straw.[LNB]Pompey were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round after a 2-0 home defeat to Coca-Cola Championship side Swansea, ending their defence of the trophy they lifted in May last year.[LNB]
