Tony Adams Doomed from the Start

Sixteen league games into his tenure at Fratton Park, Portsmouth have announced the sacking of Tony Adams.

Portsmouth currently lie in 16th position, just a point away from the relegation zone with 24 games played.

And while the decision doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, you have to wonder about the timing of it all.

After a credible performance against title chasing Liverpool, why sack Adams now? It certainly wasn’t the worst performance of his reign, and with Liverpool chasing the title, it was always a big ask for Portsmouth to get anything from the game.

Furthermore, if he isn’t the right man for the job now, why was he given money to spend in January? Surely giving a new man the chance to make his mark and bring in his own players would have been a better option for the South Coast side.

It’s fair to say the appointment shouldn’t have been made in the first place. Appointing a manager who proved himself to be out of his depth in League One with Wycombe Wanderers was bad enough, but giving him a two-and-a-half year contract bordered on insanity.

And judging by recent performances and results, Adams just hasn’t cut it.

A solitary two wins in the league sealed his fate, though it was poor performances, tactics, and transfer dealings that really led to his demise.

Indeed, Portsmouth only conceded 40 goals in domestic competition last season, and their FA Cup triumph was largely built on defensive discipline and 1-0 wins.

Now, Pompey are leaking far too many goals—and at key moments, too. The defensive discipline from last season has deserted them, and a lack of concentration at the end of matches is all too evident.

4-5-1 formations at home to the likes of Bristol City also didn’t endear Adams to the Pompey faithful. Far too often tactics were confusing and players were played out of position, with David Nugent being shunted to the wing, leaving an isolated Peter Crouch to lead the line on his own.

Being fair to Adams, it was always going to be difficult as soon as the likes of Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe were sold for big fees, with very little of the money given back to Adams to spend and rebuild his depleted squad.

But Adams was undeterred, and asked to be judged on his January signings.

And while the signing of Jermaine Pennant made sense, the signings of Hayden Mullins and Angelos Basinas left fans feeling frustrated, with neither signing doing much to excite fans.

So what now for Portsmouth? Names such as Sven Goran Eriksson and Avram Grant have been touted for the job, but in my opinion, they should look no further than Alan Curbishley.

The former Charlton and West Ham man has always been able to get the best out of the limited resources at his disposal, and has previous experience of relegation battles.

His knowledge of the Championship would also prove to be crucial, should Portsmouth not survive the dreaded drop. You would certainly fancy their chances of bouncing straight back with Curbishley at the helm.

Indeed, the next appointment is crucial if Portsmouth are to preserve their Premiership status, or the relegation chimes could indeed reign over Fratton Park.