Adams 'surprise' at axe

Tony Adams has revealed he was "surprised" to be sacked as manager of Portsmouth, saying he needed more time to turn results around.

Tony Adams has been sacked by Portsmouth.

Tony Adams has revealed he was "surprised" to be sacked as manager of Portsmouth. Adams had wanted longer to build his team, having only taken charge at Fratton Park in October following Harry Redknapp's resignation. He told BBC Radio Solent: "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." Portsmouth confirmed the departure of manager Tony Adams "with immediate effect" earlier today. The struggling Premier League club lost 3-2 to Liverpool on Saturday after conceding two late goals, and the Fratton Park board have opted to remove Adams and first-team coach John Metgod. The club's director of youth operations, the former Nottingham Forest boss Paul Hart, has been installed as caretaker manager.

The former Arsenal and England captain Adams had only been in charge on the South coast since Oct 25 when he was named caretaker manager following the departure of Harry Redknapp. He was then confirmed as Pompey boss on October 28. However, a run of just two wins in 16 league games has seen the club slide down the table and they now lie just one point above the relegation zone. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup, a competition they won less than 12 months earlier, after a 2-0 home defeat to Championship side Swansea.

A Pompey spokesman told the club's official website: "This has been a very difficult decision and Tony has worked tirelessly to arrest the slump in form. "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. "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. "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. "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. "Paul Hart knows the football club, having joined us nearly two years ago, and is a respected coach with managerial experience."

Adams joined Portsmouth's coaching staff in 2006 after an ill-fated spell as boss of Wycombe Wanderers, where he won only 12 of his 53 games in charge, losing 20. The former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who had a spell as technical director at Portsmouth, is a leading contender to replace Adams - the seventh Premier League manager to leave their club this season.

*PA Sport