Coaches hail special Pompey day

Jordan and Adams wallow in cup glory

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 17th May 2008

tony adams harry redknapp portsmouth fa cup

Adams & Redknapp celebrate

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Joe Jordan and Tony Adams have revealed their delight at being involved in Portsmouth's FA Cup triumph.

Pompey saw off Championship side Cardiff 1-0 at Wembley, courtesy of a Nwankwo Kanu goal, to claim their first piece of silverware in 69 years.

Jordan, first-team coach at Fratton Park, admits that the realisation of their achievement is only just beginning to sink in, but feels that the victory was thoroughly deserved.

Resilience

"I think it's just sinking in, I think even for players as experienced as Kanu, to win the FA Cup is something special," he told Sky Sports News.

"I think the boys are savouring every moment, there was a lot of pressure to win it and it was a very tough game.

"They (Cardiff) had a lot of possession but the resilience and experience of the players was there, the likes of Sol Campbell and David James, and for the majority of the game I thought we played well.

"We lived through some nerve racking moments, but we got there in the end."

The former Bristol City and Stoke boss was also excited by the prospect of European football on the South Coast next season.

"What a bonus," he said. "We thought we could get in through our league position but slipped up. It's special, there's' nothing like playing in Europe."

Profile

Assistant manager Adams has won the trophy previously as a player and was delighted that Harry Redknapp has now been given the chance to celebrate taking a major title, especially as the Pompey boss has been forced to endure a difficult season off the field.

"I'm delighted that he's got a lovely trophy on the side, because your problems are made a lot better with a medal around your neck," said the former England international.

Adams is also hoping that Redknapp's success will help to lift the profile of English coaches abroad.

"Absolutely, our reputation in Europe is very poor," he said.

"But the more times we win the FA Cup and get some jobs with some big clubs, then hopefully they'll be a few more English coaches in the future."