Premier League icon breaks his silence after being sacked by EFL club – as he claims he was ‘hugely disappointed’ with the decision
- An ex-Premier League player was sacked by a Football League club on Sunday
- The club was in poor form and hovering above the relegation zone
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! Are Tottenham managers treated differently to other managers?
A former Premier League star has taken to social media to express his disappointment after being sacked by an EFL club after a year in charge.
The ex-midfielder, who played in the English top flight for eight years, left the club after a miserable run above the relegation zone.
It was the 39-year-old’s first role in management after quitting in 2022 following a storied career in English football.
Charlie Adam was appointed manager of Fleetwood Town last December with the aim of keeping the Cod Army in League One.
The Scot failed to lead the Lancashire side to survival and after winning just one of their last 12 games, he was told his services were no longer required on Sunday.
On Christmas Eve, Adam released a statement saying: ‘I am extremely disappointed to have to leave Fleetwood Town after almost a year as manager, but I would like to thank the board for this opportunity.
Charlie Adam was sacked by League Two side Fleetwood Town after a dismal run of form
The Cod Army sit 18th in the fourth tier after winning just one of their last twelve matches
Adam, 39, turned to X to issue a statement expressing his sadness at being removed from his position
“I inherited a very difficult situation and it was a challenge that I believe my staff and I rose to with both hands, almost avoiding relegation in our first six months in charge.
‘This season we built a team that we thought was more than capable of competing at the top of the division, something I think everyone saw signs of with some excellent results earlier in the season.
‘With key players returning from injury and a January window looming, I’m disappointed I won’t get the chance to finish the job I started, but that’s football!
“I would like to thank the staff for their excellent support and the young group of players for their hard work and dedication.
“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the supporters, who have been fantastic during my tenure and have been behind me from day one, as well as my friends and family for their continued support throughout this journey.
‘I was proud to manage Fleetwood Town and will always love the club. After a short break, I’m looking forward to my next challenge, one that I know I’ll be stronger for. All the best and thank you, Charlie.”
The final blow came after Fleetwood were beaten 2-0 by Barrow on Saturday, meaning they had lost three of their last four games and finished 18th in League Two.
A statement from Fleetwood’s owner Jane Pilley said: ‘I would like to personally thank Charlie for his commitment and professionalism over the past twelve months.
The former Scotland international started his Premier League career with Blackpool in 2010
After an impressive season with Lancashire, he was taken over by Liverpool
‘It was a pleasure working with him, but recent results meant we felt change was needed. I wish him the best for the future.’
Former Scotland international Adam played in the Premier League for Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke City. In 2012 he won the League Cup with Liverpool.
Adam made more than 200 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 34 goals in the division between 2010 and 2018.
After retiring in September 2022, Adam started working as a loan manager at Burnley, before moving into management at Fleetwood.