Adams calls for patience

Under-fire boss Tony Adams has called for the Portsmouth board to show some patience as the club strive to lift themselves away from the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Adams has collected only two league wins from his opening 13 matches since succeeding Harry Redknapp in October and his side were booed off the Fratton Park pitch following a humbling FA Cup defeat by Swansea on Saturday.

"Hopefully everybody will show a bit of patience with me because times have changed. But there is no use complaining, I am fighting and I am fighting hard." Adams said ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Owner Alexandre Gaydamak has backed Adams to a degree in the transfer window, bankrolling the acquisitions of Nadir Belhadj and Hayden Mullins at a total cost of around £6million and allowing loan moves for Jermaine Pennant and Portuguese youngster Pele.

Adams, however, remains under pressure with the club only three points above the relegation zone and welcoming a Villa side who have not lost in their last 10 Premier League games.

He added: "I know I will overcome every disappointment because I have done it in the past. There is no point moaning about it.

"I am not a runner and I am not going to run away from anything. On Tuesday night the wife may want me to be at home but I will be out there trying to win football matches for Portsmouth.

"We have now got one job and one job alone and that is the Premier League, getting points - starting with Villa."