English Premier League side Portsmouth have axed manager Tony Adams following a nine-match winless streak in the league that has left the south coast club battling against relegation.
The former Arsenal and England captain was promoted to the top job in October following Harry Redknapp’s departure to Tottenham. But Portsmouth have won just two league games since under Adams. On Saturday, Adams watched his side throw surrender a 2-1 lead late in the game in a 3-2 home defeat by title-chasing Liverpool. After winning the FA Cup last season, Portsmouth’s defense of the trophy was ended by Championship side Swansea. The club also failed to advance beyond the group stages of the UEFA Cup. “This has been a very difficult decision and Tony has worked tirelessly to arrest the slump in form,” a club spokesman said Monday. “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. Portsmouth are currently 16th in the Premier League, just one point and two places outside the relegation zone. “The priority is for Portsmouth 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.” Portsmouth’s director of youth football, Paul Hart, formerly in charge at Nottingham Forest, will take over as caretaker manager while the club searches for a longterm replacement. Adams’ Dutch assistant, Johnny Metgod, has also left the club.
