Martin Keown says no to Adams' offer

Martin Keown today revealed he turned down a coaching role at Portsmouth because "it's not the right time to go back in football".

The 42-year-old last night rejected an offer from former team-mate and new Pompey manager Tony Adams to concentrate on his media work.

"It was a very tempting offer and one I had to think hard about," said Keown, who admits it is possible he will reconsider his decision at the end of the season. "But I just don't feel it's the right time for me to go back into the game.

"It was very flattering to be asked and I have no doubt that Tony will be a big success.

"What the offer has done is rekindle my passion to get back into the game but I have only recently retired and am happy focusing on my role as an Evening Standard and BBC pundit."

Keown, who played for Arsenal with Adams between 1984 and 1986 and 1993 to 2002, recently underwent his coaching badges since retiring from the game in 2005.

"I think Martin is feeling that sitting on the sofa at Match of the Day and Football Focus is the way forward," said Adams, who took over as Portsmouth boss from Harry Redknapp last month.

"But in the future, who knows? I might persuade him in the summer."