 9 Nov 1996 ENGLAND SKIPPER A CHANGED MANA new Tony Adams was on view in Tbilisi today. Not just quieter, leaner and detoxified, but more skilful too. Among his many transformations, the donkey is turning into a thoroughbred. Not everything in life is black and white, say the makers of the Irish stout which nearly undermined the 30-year-old's life and career. But it still comes as a surprise that behind this gung-ho, inspirational but one-dimensional trench battler is a complicated, thoughtful and slightly apprehensive man who admits: ``I have been living with a mask on for years.'' Now that therapy is bringing him back to reality, in the same way it has for Arsenal team-mate Paul Merson and perhaps will too in future for Paul Gascoigne. The further shock is that he can play a bit too. That recognition, a direct result of a sea-change in English tactics from 4-4-2 to three at the back, delights him as much as his grip on his alcoholism. ``I was kind of suppressed in the way I was playing under George Graham,'' he admits. ``He wanted a particular style of player and that's the way I was told to play. ``He got success with it, that's why we didn't change it. It was a good method and we kept to it. ``But now he's left and we have gone on to a different system I have been able to express myself more. I think a few people have said, `Bloody hell, he can play a bit this boy! Didn't he just used to kick it up the field?' ``I think maybe I have opened a few people's eyes. I certainly feel very comfortable in that central role.'' All round, Adams is a more reflective figure nowadays, on the pitch as much as off it, saying: ``I have been one person who has kind of had this mask on for all these years. I have changed in a lot of ways. ``In footballing terms I now try to lead by example. I am doing it more for myself now. If I can get myself performing to the best Tony Adams can do then I am going to help everybody else. ``I have said to the players at Arsenal, `Look, you might not get the verbal kick up the arse like I used to give you but I can assure you I will be doing my 100% best for the team.' ``I am doing it in a different way now. I have changed myself around a bit. If you see someone not pulling their weight, it is only human you will say something. ``But I have learned there are many ways to do that. I have seen people go way over the top. If you are constructive it can work better.'' Adams today resumed the role he performed so superbly throughout Euro 96 for Terry Venables. But he knows it is probably only a temporary assignment in the absence of the injured Alan Shearer. ``Of course I would like to keep the job. But I am a realist. If the manager thinks someone else can do it better and would be better for England all round then obviously my personal ambitions have got little to do with it. ``I think I can give quite a lot to the team I still have a lot to offer and that's what I will continue to do whether it's with the armband or without. That is fine by me. ``Glenn knows what he is going to get from me whether I am skipper or not, he knew he would get 100%. ``I am very grateful that he has shown great faith in me. I am just trying to do my best here - that's good enough for me now, and obviously it's good enough for Glenn to make me captain today.'' Adams' dedication cost him dear this summer, with the pressures of semi-final failure turning him back to the drink he had avoided like the plague since February. In five games of intense competition he also wrecked a knee he knew was unlikely to survive the tournament's demands having seven injections during Euro 96 and an operation after it. ``It was worth that risk. I gave it everything, of course I did,'' he says. ``It (the knee) was not an important factor in what I wanted to achieve which was success for my country.'' Hoddle, today seeking his third world cup qualifying win, admires that grit and never hesitated to give Adams the job back. ``There are different types of captains - the best teams have six or seven undercover on the pitch, regardless of who is wearing the armband,'' he says. ``But Tony has all the credentials - and what he has done about putting his problems right is a super example not just to my players but everyone, of how people can turn their lives around. He is getting his just rewards.'' The England coach promised Shearer a three-match trial and will give him back the captaincy - if fit - for the home game against Italy next year. He still clearly regards the Newcastle striker as his ideal leader adding: ``I said when Alan was made captain that abroad teams have looked to people like Platini and Maradona. They may not have been the best captain for 90 minutes but they command respect from everyone in football around the world including referees, and sometimes that can be an advantage.'' Adams too now commands utmost respect for his courage and honesty. Coming out has been traumatic for someone who has never liked admitting to weaknesses, even as a professional. And he is conscious that a sportsman's human failing is magnified by his public standing, especially for hero-worshipping youngsters. ``I think we have got to stick to the football here,'' he says. ``I would like to set the example of a particular player who goes out and tries his best, who has got a few qualities that anyone can look up to. ``People look at the man and not the football but we are only here because of the football. ``Look at the footballer: how many games he's played, the number of times he's represented his country, his commitment. That's all you can do. They are the examples I am trying to give to the kids out there because they are the only ones who are really important.''
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