Earlier today I voiced, what I thought was a well balanced and fair argument on why I felt that the next 3 games would determine Tony Adams’ future as far as his position as manager of Pompey goes – again I stress I want this to remain the case for a long time to come, but as I said then we have to start thinking about the reality of things should our situation not change by the end of this month, as time will be running out…
My desire for him to succeed has never been greater than it is now, following his heartfelt words shared with The News today, a paper that although ‘claiming’ to be a backer of Pompey does not often do much to ‘support’ these claims!
Anyway, let me know it clear that it is not ‘pity’ or the fact that I ‘feel sorry for him’ that I want this, for me he has again reiterated just why I want him to be successful with Pompey – he genuinely wants to be here, he wants to succeed for Pompey, and he wants to do this at Fratton Park not only for him but for the fans, as he appreciates us!
What did he say?
Well this is what he said: ‘I am trying my hardest and myself and Peter (Storrie) worked all hours to try to bring in a few loans and get a few deals done.
‘Our budget was cut but it hasn’t stopped us working hard to find a way to stay in this league – and I believe we can.
‘I received verbal abuse while getting on the bus after the game on Saturday and that hurt.
‘There were a couple of fans who were not happy over the way the team is playing and the results.
‘They shouted they didn’t want me at the club ever again. To be honest, it was put a little bit stronger than that.
‘I tried to explain things to them but they weren’t listening and that hurt – it really did. I felt that.
‘I understand their frustration at the results, but I have never experienced that before in my career.
‘I have had stick from opposing fans, of course I have, I played a lot of games in my career and you don’t expect to be liked by rival supporters. But I’ve never had it from my own before.
‘Never at Arsenal, Wycombe or with England. I always thought you stick together.
‘For me, it’s unusual and that’s why it hurt. It was only a couple of guys angry at me, but it didn’t stop me feeling it.
‘We have had another bad result and I understand people’s reaction, but the club has changed and I am doing my utmost to scrap away and improve things.’
He also again reiterated that he understands and appreciates the anger and disappointment, even if it saddened him, but again stressed he will not be turning and running as he never has been, and never will be a quitter: ‘they are obviously voicing their anger and for me it’s difficult to take.
‘I feel it too, you know, I want better results. More than anything I want to do well at this football club. I’m no runner.’
I am hoping that the tide is changing, and some much needed luck can also come our way – something I again spoke of today – the signs recently have been more positive, if we can build on these and get a win, this win will be huge for us and I feel the snowball effect will be massive for us, just as the snowball effect of not winning has been!
We now focus fully on football, we do not need to ‘worry’ about players leaving anymore, and have bought some in as well, what we have now is our lot – full focus can now be given on the job in hand, and that is playing football, that is the only focus.
I also feel we need Johnny Metgod to step up to the plate and do more to help, as, and I am not trying to ‘shift the blame’ or ‘point fingers’, but to be honest I am finding it somewhat hard to know what he actually brings to the table? He bangs on about ‘retaining the ball’ but we have not done this enough. Hopefully the Dutchman will start doing whatever it is he does, and to the top of his ability, and if nothing else start doing more work with the press to ease the burden on Adams, something else I feel he needs far more help with, so he can focus solely on managing the team, and working with the defence and the shield in front of them especially. There seems to be a slight shift in this movement, and he could well do more of this in the future.
I am starting to feel a really positive vibe, despite my ‘3 more games argument’ – again meant in the most positive way, if that was possible – maybe this is my desire for us, and him, to turn things round clouding my judgement, but I think the closure of the much disruptive January transfer window has helped, not only me, but many of you, the players and all connected to the club. There are no distractions now. His 3 games begin now, and as said I have never wanted him to succeed more as he has reaffirmed what I already knew about the fella. He wants to be here, he wants to give his all for Pompey and it genuinely means something to him as he does care!
Pompey have a habit of ‘getting under your skin’ when you are connected to it, and this has happened to him I am sure, this happened before he took over as manager as I feel he would, and easily could have, walked away a long time ago if he wanted to. Yep, his blood runs red with Arsenal, but there is more than a tint of blue coursing through his veins as well these days I suspect.
People are of course entitled to their opinion, now use these opinions as added inspiration to inspire yourself even more and then the players likewise in the games coming up Tony to start the climb up the table you want, and say you can bring – as that fella says in a lot of Adam Sander films ‘you can do it!’
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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