Portsmouth opt for Adams

Tony Adams was appointed manager of Premier League Portsmouth here Tuesday, just over 48 hours after former boss Harry Redknapp quit to join top-flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Former Arsenal and England defender Adams has been at Fratton Park for over two years, where he was Redknapp's assistant, after an unsuccessful spell in charge of Wycombe and coaching posts in the Netherlands.

The 42-year-old Adams was in caretaker charge of FA Cup holders Portsmouth, who are seventh in the Premier League, along with coach Joe Jordan for Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to Fulham but made it clear to the board of the south coast club he wanted to take over on a permanent basis.

“I'm ready, I was always ready,” Adams, who has been handed a two-year contract, told a Fratton Park news conference.

“It's fantastic. I'm very honoured, it's a great opportunity and one I would be mad to turn down,” he added.

“I'm very excited, I can't wait to get going. I've been here two-and-a-half years and it was kind of business as usual this morning.

“We've got some great players here at Portsmouth and I've been kind of responsible, with Harry, for bringing them to the club.

“I am going to take this opportunity and risk, because Harry's done a fantastic job for this club and is a hard act to follow. But I think it is my time, I think I am ready.”

Gunners great Adams said he'd spoken to Arsene Wenger, his former manager at Arsenal, for some advice.

“I spoke to Arsene last night for advice and he said 'welcome to hell'. I said 'are you scared? Because I'm coming for you!”'

Adams's first match in sole charge as manager could scarcely be tougher, with Portsmouth away to league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.

In a separate announcement, Peter Storrie, currently Pompey's chief executive, stepped up into the post of executive chairman.

“It's been a bit of a whirlwind 48 hours,” Storrie said. “I know we said we'd take our time a little bit but we had a think about it, had a chat with Tony and we feel he's done a tremendous job here and thoroughly deserves this opportunity to manage the club.

“He's not only popular among the board and people working at the club, but as was shown on Sunday, it's a popular decision for the supporters.”