| TONY ADAMS | |||
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Birthplace : 10.6.66, London
Height : 186cm Weight : 87kg Position : Defence Tony Adams made his league debut aged 17 in November 1983, by the then manager Terry Neil, another great central defender. Hopes of forming a partnership with David O'Leary in the central of defence were set back when he sustained a stress fracture in his right foot. Promising youngster Martin Keown moved in to take Tony's place, but Keown signed for Aston Villa after a contract dispute. Tony took his second chance and never looked back since, collecting Arsenal's Player of the Year Award in 1987. England boss Bobby Robson selected Tony for the International team, adding that he had "such a great stature for someone so young." Tony was involved in the European Championships, scoring against Yugoslavia in the qualifiers and against the USSR in the 1990 Finals. Meanwhile, his defensive ability helped Arsenal to win the 1987 Littlewoods Cup and he captained the side taking the Championship twice - at Anfield in 1989 and two years later in 1990-91. After not taking part in the International scene for that season, Graham Taylor recalled him to play in the 1992-93 World Cup qualifiers, and he's remained in favour ever since with Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan. He skippered the team to glory in their unique 1993 FA Cup and Coca-Cola Cup double - the following year he lifted the European Cup Winner's Cup in Copenhagen, and became the most successful Arsenal captain in history. Fought back from self-confessed alcohol addiction to remain a magnificent player and an England regular. With over 65 international caps he was the obvious choice to become England captain following Alan Shearer's retirement from international football after Euro 2000. But caretaker England boss Peter Taylor made David Beckham captain against Italy in November and Sven Goran Eriksson was expected to stick with the Manchester United midfielder even before Adams announced his international retirement. Is a true leader and has quit England to overcome reoccurring injury problems and dedicate his future to Arsenal, who have rewarded him with an extended contract. Announced at the end of the 00/01 season that he would retire after the 01/02 season. |
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