Keown rejects Pompey coaching job

Keown (left) and Adams played together for England and Arsenal

Martin Keown has turned down the chance to work with former Arsenal team-mate Tony Adams as a coach at Portsmouth.

Adams, who succeeded Harry Redknapp as Pompey boss last month, was keen to add Keown, 42, to his backroom staff.

But he told BBC Radio Solent: "I think Martin is feeling that sitting on the sofa at Match of the Day and Football Focus is the way forward.

"It might not be right for here and now but in the future who knows. I might persuade him in the summer."

Adams has also ruled out the prospect of Dennis Bergkamp joining his coaching team at Fratton Park.

"I have not spoken to Dennis," Adams continued.

"He has got a fantastic presence on the training pitch but I do not know what he is like as a coach because I have never seen him in action."

Adams is now widening his search for coaching staff.

"I need to put things place and talk to other people," he said.

606: DEBATE Apparently, Paul Jewell (current Derby manager) is going to be our new assistant coach with Tony Adams NS

"Whoever it is doesn't have to have played alongside me at Arsenal - a young Jose Mourinho would do me fine.

"There are a lot of considerations when it comes to compiling a backroom staff. We have a lot of French players here so maybe the French route is an option."

Keown retired three years ago and helps out with coaching at Arsenal.

He played alongside Adams in the Gunners' central defence from 1984 to 1986 and again from 1993 to 2002, when Adams retired, helping them to the league and FA Cup Double in 1998 and 2002.

Keown, who collected 43 England caps, also won another Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004 before spells with Leicester and Reading.