Thank you Micky Adams

I was disappointed to read of the resignation of Micky Adams, manager of the English soccer club Leicester City (my team).

Adams had an eventful 2 1/2 years in charge of the club. His first full season saw the club plunged into administration (receivership) for financial problems that long pre-dated his reign. The club's very survival was in jeopardy. The club was eventually saved but Adams could not sign new players that season to strengthen his squad, even after the club left administration. Nevertheless, he guided the team to 2nd place in the old 1st Division and promotion to the Premier League.

Back in England's top flight, Leicester struggled to get wins (which they did only 5 times in 36 tries). But despite the lack of results, the team was very competitive, earning credible draws against top competition like Newcastle United, Liverpool and undefeated champions Arsenal. Off-the-field incidents hampered Adams' mangerial efforts once again, as several Leicester players were accused of rape during a training camp in Spain (known as the La Manga Affair). The players were jailed for a while but eventually cleared; despite the huge distraction, Adams' side nearly avoided relegation.

Back in the second-flight (now euphemistically known as The Championship), Leicester has struggled to find cohesion and consistency, despite being one of the favorites for promotion. This is not surprising since the manager brought in nearly a dozen new players. While they've travelled well, their home form has been abysmal, earning only 5 points from 6 matches at the Walkers' Stadium. Most worryingly, they've scored only 4 times at home all season.

After a pair of dubious non-wins against Preston (league draw, cup loss), the resignation was not a shock. Adams hinted at a departure after the draw and didn't speak to the media after the loss. A loss in an exhibition friendly against a lower-division opponent appears to have been the last straw.

Unlike some sections of the supporters, I am disappointed by his departure. I thought he was a good manager and I appreciated his frankness in talking to the media. Adams said he was a Leicester City employee and would his best for the club as long as he worked for them. He didn't pretend to bleed Leicester blue and then jump as soon a bigger opportunity presented itself. In an era where loyalty in sports is non-existent but the pretense remains, Adams' candor was refreshing.

But it seems clear that for all his mangerial skills, the current crop of players didn't seem to be responding to him. It probably was time for a change.

I thank him for the success he brought to the club, for re-injecting some financial sanity and for steering the club through two of the most traumatic periods in its history.

I wish him well.