Adams: Why I had to miss Pompey parade

IT IS fabled 200,000 were present across Southsea to welcome home the FA Cup in 2008.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th May 2018, 20:00 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 08:19 BST
Tony Adams, left, and Harry RedknappTony Adams, left, and Harry Redknapp
Tony Adams, left, and Harry Redknapp

But a notable absentee from those post-Wembley celebrations was Pompey’s assistant manager.

Tony Adams, who had served as Harry Redknapp’s number two since June 2006, won three FA Cups as an Arsenal player.

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However, he instead opted to watch his daughter play hockey in Nottingham rather than join in with the memorable Southsea parade 24 hours following that Cardiff triumph.

Tony Adams, left, and Harry RedknappTony Adams, left, and Harry Redknapp
Tony Adams, left, and Harry Redknapp

Adams said: ‘I decided to put my family first and missed the parade.

‘My daughter was in the hockey championships and I wanted to be there for her.

‘I had done my bit, and it would have been lovely to have been in Southsea, but it’s not every day your daughter is representing England in the finals of the under-18 championship.

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‘It was a tough call to be honest, but I don’t think my daughter would have ever forgiven me if I didn’t go to Nottingham that day!

The Pompey bus makes its way to Southsea Common on the Sunday after Pompey's Cup success in 2008 Picture: Will CaddyThe Pompey bus makes its way to Southsea Common on the Sunday after Pompey's Cup success in 2008 Picture: Will Caddy
The Pompey bus makes its way to Southsea Common on the Sunday after Pompey's Cup success in 2008 Picture: Will Caddy

‘I could have said to her: “We’ve won the FA Cup and need to go and ride around on a bus,” but I didn’t feel like I needed the adulation.

‘I felt I’d done good work anyway and played my part in that, and it wasn’t as if I was manager, even though I did think I had a significant role.

‘I had been on a lot of parades with Arsenal and it’s great for the people to see the players. It was a tough call and I’m still now kind of saddened I had to miss it.’

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The 2008 FA Cup represented Adam’s maiden success as a coach or manager following a glut of silverware during playing days.

Although, his collection is missing one particular medal.

He added: ‘I didn’t get a medal for that, although there’s one inside me!

‘It would have been nice to get some kind of token, I suppose, but I don’t think it stretches to the assistant manager for some reason.

‘Regardless, I was really, really honoured and it was a privilege to be part of that group and be involved.

‘That win is on the CV and they cannot take that away.’

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Our interview with Harry Redknapp is part of our build-up to the 10th anniversary of Pompey’s FA Cup triumph.

Keep checking portsmouth.co.uk throughout the week to read more stories, while there will be a 16-page supplement in Thursday’s News.

Related topics:PompeySouthseaHarry RedknappArsenalNottinghamCardiffEngland