Reports coming out suggest that Leeds are lining up a swoop for Nigel Adkins, to take over at Elland Road, when Leeds look to get rid of Warnock. Would this be Leed’s best singing of the last 5 years? I think so.
Before the amazing success Nigel adkins achieved at Southampton he was a bit of a dark horse of the footballing world, but after back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premiership what is so special about Nigel Adkins?
Adkins was a young goalkeeper, who as a player, before entering the official League was the player, manager and physio for Renbag Rovers. Nigel then went on and played for Tranmere Rovers, Wigan and Bangor City. After a long injury, it was advised that Adkins should hang up his boots at a young age. He then took up a physiotherapy degree. This degree was put into action when he became player manager at Bangor City, with whom he won two League Cup titles and took them into Europe.
Nigel went on to join Scunthorpe in his physio role. After a decade, it was his time to shine. In 2006 he took over as manager after Predecessor Brian Law left.
Adkins joined Southampton on 12 September 2010, after the Saints and Scunthorpe agreed a compensation package. A lot of confused Southampton fans were very worried about this unknown physio and manager, but this dark horse would go on to change their club for ever. Adkins signed a three-year contract, and was joined there by his former assistant at Scunthorpe, Andy Crosby.
He gained his first victory in charge in his third game, winning 1–0 at Sheffield Wednesday, with Lee Barnard scoring the only goal.
After much speculation over his future, on 18 January 2013 it was confirmed that Adkins had been sacked and replaced by former Espanyol manager Mauricio Pochettino. A strange on on Southampton’s part.
So what is it that Nigel adkins secret potion for his success at Southampton? Undoubtedly his use of attacking football was one of his strongest points. No matter whom he was playing against: Man City or Wigan the team would always he playing a attractive attacking style of football which worked. His team netted an impressive 36 goals in his first season in the EPL.
Or could it be the fact his unbelievable indomitable spirit was always present after the game, no matter what the scoreline was? Adkins was the master at putting on a brave face, and this undoubtedly rubbed off on his players. Every game, his players would be together as one, and you could see the shine of his ambiance rubbing off, not only the players but also on the crowd at St Mary’s.
Leeds have an unfortunate reputation for being an dirty, harsh club. I think if Nigel Adkins were to travel up north, and take over it would give the club a fresh new start which could be beneficial with the rich, amazing history they have.
Jack Clarke: Freelance Journalist – https://twitter.com/clarkejack1 Southampton page – https://twitter.com/SaintsfcViews
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absolutley no truth in any of this at all, the sources this article have got this from must be somewhere in cuckoo land.
The article was more about Adkins as a manager, rather than the Leeds job, but he would do a better job than Warnock! interesting article