Adams plans for the long term

Tony Adams is determined to remain at Portsmouth for the long term despite continued speculation regarding a takeover of the south coast club.

The former Arsenal defender is building his backroom staff at Fratton Park after succeeding Harry Redknapp and yesterday the club appointed John Metgod as first-team coach.

Speculation was rife yesterday that Pompey could become the latest club to change hands with owner Alexandre Gaydamak having reportedly held talks with South African mining giant Central Rand Gold.

Any takeover would leave Adams at the mercy of the club’s new owners, but he said: “I’m planning on being at this football club for a long time, and the people here have given me no reason to think otherwise.

“If I am given time I am sure I will be able to. I have confidence in my ability to be able to do that.”

Gaydamak’s willingness to offload his interest in the Fratton Park club has been known for some time.

Although he would not sell to any party he felt was incapable of building on the club’s recent success, Redknapp’s departure to Tottenham was seen as bad news for last season’s FA Cup winners and many fans would welcome a change of owner.

Central Rand Gold chief executive Greg James and super agent Pini Zahavi are the prime movers behind such a deal.

Adams meanwhile has also promoted Paul Groves from reserve-team coach to assistant first-team coach.