David Cuffley Sacked Academy coach Neil Adams has broken his silence for the first time on what he described as an “unwarranted and unprofessional” attack on him by Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder.

David Cuffley

Sacked Academy coach Neil Adams has broken his silence for the first time on what he described as an “unwarranted and unprofessional” attack on him by Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder.

The 42-year-old former City winger has lost his part-time coaching job with the club's under-14s as part of a backroom clear-out by Roeder.

Evening News columnist Adams, who holds a UEFA A coaching licence, had worked at the Academy for seven years.

The Canaries announced the under-14 post would be taken over by whoever succeeds Darren Bloodworth - who has resigned as education and welfare officer - as part of restructuring at Colney.

But Adams said his departure was “not unexpected” in the wake of Roeder's thinly-veiled attack on him after the home match against Barnsley in February.

Roeder was angry after Adams had spoken of the merits of including Darren Huckerby in the side.

“It's unfortunate because I enjoy coaching and have worked hard to achieve high coaching qualifications since retiring from playing, and trust me, you don't do it for the money that you're paid as a part-time Academy coach,” said Adams. “You mainly do it for the love of the game.

“But I've been in the game long enough to realise that changes are part and parcel of football, and the manager has every right to bring in whoever he wants to the club. That's how it works, and I've got no problem with that at all.

“But what I am unhappy with is the way that it has been handled and the reasons I have been given as to why. Because if the manager doesn't want one of his part-time Academy coaches also working in the media then that would be understandable and I could accept that.

“So why not just say as much? To suggest that it's for any other reason is simply ducking the issue.”

Adams said Roeder would not admit to him that his post-match comments about “nasty, irritating people” who “will never manage a football club” were aimed at him.

“The most disappointing thing in all of this is that the manager has denied that the stinging rebuke that he delivered just a few days after I had given my opinion on the merits of Darren Huckerby's inclusion in the side was aimed in my direction,” said Adams.

“Anyone reading them would know who he was referring to, irrespective of the fact that he didn't name any names. People aren't stupid. I considered those comments to be completely unwarranted and unprofessional.

“It has left a bit of a sour taste in the mouth, I have to admit, but that's life. It wasn't unexpected and at the end of the day there are far more important issues for the club at present than the departure of a part-time Academy coach.

“And one thing this won't do is dampen my support for the team. We all want City to do well, and just like everyone else I hope they have a fantastic season. That goes without saying.”

City have confirmed that Adams, Bloodworth, assistant physiotherapist Peter Shaw and Academy physio Rod Dyer have left the club, but denied that sports scientist Dave Carolan and chief scout Alan Wood have also been axed. However, the Evening News understands that both men are leaving.