Tony Adams on why Linvoy Primus was Portsmouth's greatest player during Fratton Park's golden days

And, without hesitation, Tony Adams can pinpoint the greatest of them all – Linvoy Primus.

For two-and-a-half years, the ex-England skipper was employed at Fratton Park, firstly as Harry Redknapp’s assistant and then a brief spell as manager.

His June 2006 arrival, following the exit of Kevin Bond, coincided with a period in which the Blues’ recorded their highest top-flight finish since 1955 and claimed the FA Cup.

Redknapp’s squad was dripping in quality, featuring the likes of Sol Campbell, Kanu, David James, Lassana Diarra, Sulley Muntari, Sylvain Distin, Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar.

Yet for Adams, it is Primus who soars above everyone.

He said: ‘The greatest player at Pompey – and the one I think I had the most impact on – was my fellow centre-back Linvoy.

‘I’m looking at it personally, a reflection of my coaching and what I gave to the club apart from recruiting and helping the group which went to the FA Cup final.

‘I took a lot of training and developed that side. I am proud of my input in two-and-a-half years at the club.

‘But the biggest satisfaction I got was the development of Linvoy.

‘We had some great technical players, Sol Campbell, Kanu, Sulley Muntari, Pedro Mendes, Glen Johnson, David James, super players, the lot of them. The list is endless.

‘When I got there in 2006, we played 4-4-2 and I thought Gary O’Neil and Matt Taylor had outstanding seasons in my first season. I’d also like to think I helped them move on and added to their career.

‘Linvoy’s my man, though. He had an exceptional 2006-07 season. I kept his game very simple, getting him into the channel much further up because Glen Johnson was going forward quite often.

‘As a human being as well, I loved the man. I added to his game and got the best out of him that season.’

Primus was already a well-established member of Pompey’s team – and popular figure among the Fratton faithful.

Following Sol Campbell’s free transfer arrival in the summer of 2006, the pair were the first-choice centre-half partnership in 2006-07.

Primus started all but two Premier League games, totalling 39 appearances and two goals, as Redknapp’s side finished ninth in the Premier League.

Adams added: ‘Linvoy had courage, humility and honesty – all the attributes to be a fantastic central defender.

‘But maybe he had insecurity, a lack of confidence, which needed to be put into the right place. That's all I did to him, I kept his game very simple.

‘This is what you do. Basically it's a case of this is where you stand, this is the position on the field you are going to come into contact with players. It’s constant drip feeding.

‘I am very proud he took it on, rolled up his sleeves and delivered a fantastic season.’

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