Opinion: Adams taking a risk at Albion

11:09pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Micky Adams is taking a risk in returning to manage Albion.

Not only is he putting his popularity among Seagulls fans in danger but also his reputation as a successful manager.

Adams started his second spell with the Seagulls last week after the surprise decision to replace Dean Wilkins.

He is hero-worshipped by Albion supporters because of what he achieved during his previous stint in the hot-seat. His place in Albion folklore is secure after the years of gloom that preceded his arrival.

But the fickle nature of football means those achievements will be forgotten if things do not go to plan this time around.

There are plenty of managers who have tried and failed to recreate glories of the past and tainted what they previously achieved.

Howard Kendall had two unsuccessful attempts to resurrect Everton during the 1990s after leading the Merseyside club to top flight title wins in 1985 and 1987.

Graham Taylor returned to both Watford and Aston Villa and got nowhere near to replicating what he achieved first time around.

More recently, Kevin Keegan decided on a second spell at Newcastle and is already feeling the pressure just four months into the job.

However, a few managers have bucked the trend. Harry Redknapp has transformed Portsmouth into a top eight Premiership side and FA Cup finalists, having previously led them to promotion into the big time before quitting to take over at Southampton.

You have to admire Adams for having the courage to give it a second go.

He has had a few ups and downs since leaving Withdean following spells at Leicester and Coventry.

Let's hope he can recreate the excitment of his first spell in charge. If he does, Albion will be in the Championship and who knows what might happen then.