Adkins axed as Pochettino steps in

Southampton have made the shock decision to sack Nigel Adkins and appoint former Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager

Adkins had led the Saints all the way up from League One, with his final game in charge proving to be a 2-2 draw at Chelsea in midweek, where his side fought back from two goals down to earn a crucial point in the fight to avoid the Premier League drop.

Southampton are 2.50 to be relegated, with Aston Villa 1.90 and Wigan Athletic 2.87.

Forty-year-old Pochettino's only previous managerial experience came at Espanyol, where he was in charge from January 2009 until November 2012, when he was axed with the Catalans bottom of La Liga.

However, Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese is confident that his club have made the right decision. He told the club's official website: "This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton in mind.

"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.

"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man-manager.

"I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level."

Pochettino's first game in charge will be a Monday evening clash with Everton at St Mary's, with the hosts 3.60 to give their new manager a winning start and 12.00 to secure a 1-0 victory.

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