Adams relishing reunion with ‘charming’ old rival Keane

TONY ADAMS and Roy Keane renew their old rivalry this weekend but the Portsmouth boss believes management has turned his old sparring partner soft.

Adams and Keane were opposing captains during the clashes between the two Premier League giants in the mid-to-late 1990s but struck up a rapport when they studied for their UEFA B Licence five years ago.

Sunderland manager Keane sent Adams a congratulatory fax when he was appointed at Fratton Park following the departure of Harry Redknapp nearly two weeks ago and the Pompey boss confesses the Irishman off the pitch is a totally different animal.

Pompey boss Adams said: “He faxed through a good luck message when I took over, a letter came through when I first took over so that was really great and I thank him for his support.

“You perceive someone when you are playing against them very differently to how they are off the pitch. On the UEFA course he was very charming, warm and just a lovely guy.

“I enjoyed my time with a man who is actually very intelligent, very courteous and respectful. When you can sit down with someone and have dinner, you can get to know them better.

“I think my old mate Niall Quinn (Sunderland chairman and former Arsenal team-mate of Adams) has got himself a very good manager there.”

Keane is in hot water with the FA after being charged with improper conduct following his actions in the tunnel at half-time during Sunderland’s 5-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

He was banished to the stands by referee Martin Atkinson but Adams understands the exaggerated emotions football management can generate. Adams added: “I can identify with the way Roy does not like losing.

“It is frustrating at times with decisions but my attitude so far have been good and I would like to think I can maintain it.”

Adams’ search for an assistant manager continues after Martin Keown rejected the chance to rejoin his old Arsenal central defensive colleague at Fratton Park.

Keown has elected to continue his work as a BBC pundit and Adams also revealed it is unlikely Pompey fans will see Dennis Bergkamp standing next to him on the touchline.

Adams said: “I have not spoken with Dennis but I have had a conversation with Martin and it seems at this stage he would rather be one side of the camera rather than the other.”