Nigel Adkins still favourite with bookies for Southampton move
NOT for the first time this summer, Scunthorpe United manager Nigel Adkins is being strongly linked with a vacancy at another club.
But this time, significantly perhaps, Iron chairman Steve Wharton has declined the chance to defuse the speculation.
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Nigel Adkins
When Adkins was tipped by the bookies back in August for a possible move to Championship rivals Swansea, Wharton revealed there had been no approach from the Welsh club.
But when asked yesterday if there had been any approach now from League One Southampton, the United chairman was a little less forthcoming.
"While Nigel is doing a good job here at Scunthorpe United, I am sure there is always going to be interest in him," said the chairman.
"I know there is speculation, but I really do not want to say anything."
Adkins has never hidden his own ambitions to one day move on to bigger and better things.
Only he knows himself whether a move to St Mary's would appeal.
The Saints have fallen on hard times and are looking for someone to lead them back to their glory days of the Premier League which they last enjoyed in 2005.
They were relegated from the top flight the same season that Scunthorpe began their rise from League Two to Championship level.
They are a club with huge potential – but also with a trail littered with managerial casualties.
In the four years that Adkins has been in charge at United, the Saints have got through five managers – including Alan Pardew who was sacked a week ago today after a 4-0 triumph at Bristol Rovers.
Media sources in Southampton are uncertain where the club will turn for a new manager.
"Nigel Adkins is one of a number of names that are being linked with the job," said the source.
"At the moment there is nothing more to it than that.
"It is very difficult to second guess what the chairman Nicola Cortese is going to do.
"But Adkins does have the sort of track record that fits the template Southampton might be looking at, to develop their young players."
The Scunthorpe manager would never talk to another club without Wharton's blessing.
Equally the United chairman would be unlikely to stand in the way if an opportunity for Adkins did arise.
With his record since November 2006 at Glanford Park, it is no surprise that other clubs are now beginning to cast envious eyes in the direction of the 45-year-old manager.
5 Comments
by Saintsfc, Southampton
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 7:40PM
“Pardew was always trying it on with the players wifes on the last every night with Murdoch and downes so no not a nasty way and if you don't believe he would do that ask Nigel reo Coker. Nigel Adkins red and white army”
by Steve, London
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 12:04AM
“Ignore all the t_ssers, NA. If the job is offered, then off you go.”
by Nico, Doncaster
Monday, September 06 2010, 8:31PM
“It is a worry and something which was always going to happen ,NA is good at his job and has a proven track record ,but also hes a lot to think about as hes got a safe job with us ,even if we were to drop down ,his job would be safe and so it should after what hes done for our club ,also I believe hes settled with his family in a nice village ,and its a long way to Southampton ,not like going to Leeds or Sheffield for him ,then there is the awful way in which Southampton have just sacked a very good manager,yes a lot to ponder over for him ,dont think this is the right move for him some how, he can and will do better for himself UP THE IRON”
by Dave, Paris
Monday, September 06 2010, 8:07PM
“Adkins won't leave he is one of the last remaining loyal faces in football. Nothing against Southampton, but Adkins is Scunthorpe United through and through and long may he be the manager of S.U.F.C. If he does go which I think there is about a 1% chance then Barra is who the fans will want to see in the hot seat.”
by Saintsfc, Southampton
Monday, September 06 2010, 4:31PM
“Nigel Adkins red and white army”