Adams: I came close to quitting at Christmas

Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has revealed he came close to resigning at Christmas before being sacked by the Fratton Park outfit on Monday. The ex-Arsenal captain managed just two victories in 16 games during his stint on the south coast, and considered leaving the club during the festive period after the board slashed his transfer budget and financially “moved the goalposts.” In a meeting with Pompey owner Sacha Gaydamak, Adams discovered that just £2 million would be available to the former England defender for new signings, despite the sale of influential players Lassana Diarra and Jermaine Defoe for a combined total in excess of £35 million. “I could have resigned at Christmas over the financial situation,” said Adams. “I was told I’d have to sell a player and there was little money for me to spend anyway. “That’s the owner’s prerogative. But suddenly, as manager, the goalposts had been moved, and if you take the tools away, you cannot do the job.” Adams, who lasted just 106 days at the helm having replaced Harry Redknapp in October, felt he was handicapped by the lack of funds available to him but, rather than throw in the proverbial towel, was keen to turn results around. “I thought about it but was not prepared to jump ship after two months,” he said. “I wanted to carry on. But after that the job became much, much harder. “I wish them all the very best. They deserve to remain in the Premier League and I’m confident they will.”