Adams hails 'master stroke'

Tony Adams believes bringing Terry Venables into the England set-up was a master stroke by Head Coach Steve McClaren.

Former England captain Adams worked alongside Venables in the team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 96 and has never forgotten what a big influence he was.

Now he believes the former Tottenham and Barcelona manager could have a huge effect on current players in the England squad.

Adams, speaking as an ambassador for England sponsors Nationwide Building Society, said: "It’s a master stroke, an absolute master stroke by Steve McClaren to appoint him. Terry is the best coach in the country, even at his age. His experience is second to none. When I saw the appointment I said ‘fantastic’ and I think I rang Terry straight away. I’m an England supporter and we’ve got a good man there.

"He’s got a real empathy with the players. He has a very simplistic, communicative style. They respect him for that, he doesn’t shout and holler he does it very simply. Some of the sessions are highly intelligent in a football sense, all about movement. I think he’s excellent.

"He can bring players together on the pitch with his training methods. He does that calmly, with experience, and he creates an environment where players can express themselves and play well for their country.

"I got on with him really well. He came from my manor and I could communicate with him. And a lot of players say the same thing - from Gazza, to Graeme Le Saux and Darren Anderton. They all say he is a great coach."

Although it is ten years since Venables was last involved with England, Adams believes he will win instant respect from the current batch of Three Lions stars.

He said: "I think the players will respect him because of the way he goes about his business. When he walked through the door I didn’t know him but I soon realised what he had to offer.

"He’s got a football brain - he knows about movement and passing. Even if you are 18 or 25 or 35, players are going to go on to the training pitch and see him in action and think ‘this is impressive’."

These days Adams is involved in management himself as assistant to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth. And he also stays in contact with England through his work with Nationwide, including backing the Nationwide FSF Fans’ Embassy which provides assistance to England fans at matches abroad.

Adams said: "The Nationwide FSF Embassy will be in action once again in Zagreb for the game against Croatia next week. It will offer invaluable help and guidance for the travelling fans. It’s a good thing to be involved with."

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